Reading public asked to help town's vulnerable children
Appeal is launched for donations of essential items
Last updated 14th Jul 2025
Reading Business Improvement District (BID) is co-ordinating a campaign to provide vital resources to vulnerable young people in Reading this summer. The BID is getting behind Brighter Futures for Children’s Summer Activities Programme, an annual initiative designed to help those most in need.
The BID is co-ordinating donation boxes from local businesses and asking for the public’s help through a donation centre especially set up at Reading Station.
The Summer Activities Programme aims to contribute essential items such as clothing and toiletries, which will go to some of the most vulnerable individuals within Reading, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, young carers, care leavers, new mums and their babies.
Last summer’s donation campaign saw more than 80 boxes of food, clothing, and hygiene products donated by generous local businesses, including an impressive 70kg of pasta, 200 toothbrushes, and 92 packs of sanitary products.
Building on this success, this year’s initiative aims to help even more young people – and will also be extending collections to include public donations.
“Last year’s incredible response showed just how generous Reading’s community can be, with employees across the town rallying together to donate essentials to those in need,” said Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager. “This year, we are introducing a public donation option. A public collection point will be open at Reading Station from 14 to 17 July, giving everyone a chance to help make a difference to vulnerable young people in our community.”
How to get involved:
A public drop-off point will be available at Reading Station, Brunel Arcade (next to Burger King), open for donations between Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 July 8:30am-7pm, and Thursday 17 July between 8:30am – 2:30pm.
A number of town centre businesses will also be hosting donation drop-off points for their own staff members to contribute to the scheme, between 16 June – 17 July.
What to donate:
To support young carers, asylum-seeking children, care leavers, and new mothers and babies, the donation drive is collecting essentials including:
· Backpacks and school supplies
· Basic clothing (socks, underwear, t-shirts, shoes)
· Toiletries and hygiene products
· Bed linen and towels
· Cleaning products
· Maternity and baby care items (nappies, baby grows, breast pads, etc.)
A detailed list of needed items is available at:
visit-reading.com/business/bid/summer-donation-drive |newtab)
Access
Brighter Futures for Children's Executive Director of Children's Services, Lara Patel, said: “We are delighted to be involved in such a fantastic initiative, bringing together the people of Reading to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people in our communities.
“The items you can donate are things we take for granted every day, and things that everyone deserves to have access to. By each making just a small donation, the collective impact we can have on those who need it most cannot be understated.”