A VERY special Christmas tree has been erected in The Oracle … it’s a Giving Tree.
The annual appeal, organised by Connect Reading, has returned to help children who would otherwise go without receive a festive gift on Christmas Day.
Last year, more than 1,500 presents were donated and distributed by 16 Reading-based charities.
This year, organisers are hoping that Reading residents will get behind the appeal to help even more children: 20 charities are taking part.
The idea is simple: visit a Giving Tree situated near the information desk in The Oracle.
Take a tag from the branches, buy the present on it and then return it, unwrapped, to the information desk at The Oracle by Wednesday, December 15. . Connect Reading and its partners will then ensure it gets to the right child in time for December 25.
It is also possible to choose a tag online, if you can’t get to The Oracle.
One of the charities that was involved last year said that The Giving Tree is a lovely gesture that really helps to bring a smile to children’s faces, letting families in need know that they are thought of at this time of year.
Lorraine Briffitt, CEO of Connect Reading, said: “This time of year can be really difficult for a lot of people – in particular this year with the impact of the pandemic and cuts to Universal Credit there are many families who will be struggling day-to-day, let alone at Christmas time.
“We live in an incredible town. The people of Reading always make us proud with their thoughtfulness and generosity and we’re so pleased this year to be able to give them both online and physical opportunities to donate to The Giving Tree.
“Your gifts can really make the difference to someone’s Christmas. Please get involved and share the project so others can too.”
The Giving Tree is supported by a number of businesses who have their own trees for employees and visitors to use. These are: Britannia Pharmaceuticals, Coaching Reading, Nylon Hair Artists, Thames Water, PepsiCo, Novotel Reading Centre Hotel, Co-Space Reading, Green Park, Pierre Fabre, The Curious Lounge, Broad Street Mall, Holy Brook Associates and The Oracle.
And the charities that are working together to help children receive presents from The Giving Tree are: ABC to Read, Autism Berkshire, Berkshire Vision, Berkshire Women’s Aid, Berkshire Youth, Brighter Futures for Children, Brookfields School, Chemogiftbags, The Cowshed, Dingley’s Promise, Fifi’s Vision C.I.C., Home-Start Reading , Launchpad Reading, New Beginnings, PACT, Parenting Special Children, Reading Association for the Blind, Reading Family Aid, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Shift Youth & Community
It is also possible to buy gifts online by logging on to: givey.com/connectreadingthegivingtree2021
