Summer Donation Drive

Make This Summer Brighter for Reading’s Young People 

This summer, Reading Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to support Reading Borough Council with their third annual Summer Donation Drive, helping young people across Reading access the essentials they need to thrive.

Through its Summer Activities Programme, Reading Borough Council supports up to 9,500 vulnerable children and young adults.

From toiletries and clothing to school supplies and food, these everyday items make a real difference to young people who might otherwise go without.

The Impact So Far

In previous years, the generosity of Reading’s community has been incredible. Last year alone, local businesses and residents donated:

• 35kg of pasta 
• 300+ Toiletries 
• 200+ Clothing Items 
• Dozens of boxes of summer essentials 

This year, we want to go even further.

How You Can Help

Whether you're a local business or a member of the public, your support can make a real difference.

For the Public

Drop off your donations at our convenient town centre location:

• Reading Station (Brunel Arcade, outside the British Transport Police Office)

• 13 – 16 July 2026

• From 8:30am to 2pm and 4pm to 6pm.

For Businesses

A number of Reading town centre offices are supporting this year’s Donation Drive by hosting internal collection points for their teams.

Office collection dates: 29 June – 16 July 2026 

Participating locations:

• 1 Forbury Square
• 2 Forbury Place
• 3 Forbury Place
• Apex Plaza
• Brickworks
• Davidson House
• One Valpy
• R+
• Station Hill
• Thames Tower
• The Blade

Not based in one of these offices? You can still get involved by donating at our public drop-off point.

What to Donate

Please donate items that are new or in nearly new condition:

• Long-life food 
• Sunscreen and sun hats
• Water bottles
• School supplies (stationery, notebooks, backpacks) 
• Clothing essentials (shoes, t-shirts, sweatshirts) 
• Toiletries (sanitary items, shampoo, hairbrushes) 
• Newborn essentials (baby clothes, formula, nappies, wipes) 

Why It Matters

Every item donated helps ensure that young people across Reading can feel supported, confident, and ready to enjoy their summer. From babies and new mums to young carers, care leavers, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people up to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)—your contribution, big or small, directly supports those who need it most.