RESIDENTS and businesses across Reading are being encouraged to support this year’s Summer Donation Drive by donating essential items to support local families facing poverty.
Led by Reading Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Reading Borough Council, the campaign is collecting essential items such as clothing, school supplies and long-life food.
Donations can be made at a public collection point at Reading Station in the Brunel Arcade, outside the British Transport Police Office, from 13 to 16 July 2026, from 8:30am to 2pm and 4pm to 6pm.
Now in its third year, the Summer Donation Drive supports Reading Borough Council’s Summer Activities Programme, which provides for up to 9,500 children and young people across Reading, from infancy through to young adulthood.
The programme works with a wide range of vulnerable groups, including young carers, care leavers, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, new mothers and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The campaign focuses on collecting everyday essentials, which, while simple, can have a significant impact.
Access to items such as appropriate clothing, toiletries and school supplies helps ensure that children and young people feel supported, included and prepared during the school holidays.
The initiative builds on the success of previous years, which saw strong support from both the business community and local residents.
In 2025, donations included 35 kilograms of pasta, more than 300 toiletry items, over 200 clothing items and dozens of boxes of essential supplies. Reading BID is aiming to build on this momentum in 2026 and extend support to even more families.
Alongside the public donation point, a number of town centre businesses are supporting the campaign by hosting internal collection points for their staff between 29 June and 16 July.
Donations are requested in new or nearly new condition and include long-life food, sunscreen and sun hats, water bottles, school supplies, clothing essentials, toiletries and newborn items such as baby clothing, formula and nappies.
The Summer Donation Drive plays an important role in supporting families who may face additional challenges during the school holidays.
By contributing, local staff and residents can help ensure that young people across Reading have access to the basic items they need to take part in activities, maintain their wellbeing and feel confident throughout the summer period.
Alexa Volker, Manager of Reading BID, said: “Each year, we see how much of a difference this campaign makes to local families.
“The continued support from Reading’s community has been invaluable, and we hope to build on that again this year by reaching even more young people who need it.
“Our local business community’s support with donations and volunteering has been pivotal to this initiative’s success, and we look forward to growing again for another year. ”
Cllr Wendy Griffith, Lead Councillor for Children at Reading Borough Council, said: “The Summer Donation Drive highlights the incredible generosity of our local businesses and residents, whose contributions make a real and lasting difference to children and young people across Reading.
“From clothing and food to essential items like water bottles and hygiene products, these donations help us support families in practical ways during the school holidays.
“More importantly, they ensure that young people feel cared for, valued and able to take part in activities with confidence and dignity.
“This collective effort from our community is key to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for every child.”
Full details are available via: visit-reading.com/business/bid/summer-donation-drive
