Supporting Local Youth: Reading’s Summer Donation Drive Returns
13th June 2025
Reading BID and Brighter Futures for Children partner again to support thousands of vulnerable young people
Businesses across Reading are once again coming together to make a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people this summer. Reading Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Brighter Futures for Children, has launched the 2025 Summer Donation Drive, aimed at collecting essential supplies for children and young people in Reading, facing additional circumstantial challenges.
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Building on the success of last year’s initiative, which saw over 80 boxes of food, toiletries, and clothing donated to support the Holiday Activities and Food Scheme, the 2025 campaign seeks to go even further. This year’s effort is to support Brighter Futures for Children’s Summer Activities Programme, which supports up to 9,500 children and young people in Reading. These include young carers, care leavers, asylum-seeking children, babies and new mums.
The campaign is calling on Reading’s business community to donate new or nearly new items, including:
- For young people: school supplies, backpacks, school shoes, clothing basics, food essentials, toiletries, towels, bed linen, and cleaning products.
- For mums and babies: maternity items, baby clothing, toiletries, nappies, blankets, and large bags for packing essentials.
Find the full list here.
From 16 June to 17 July 2025, staff working in over 20 business locations across Reading can drop off donations at their building’s reception, including Abbey Gardens, The Blade, Thames Tower, and Visa, among others.
For those without access to an office donation point, a public donation station will be available at Reading Station from 14–17 July, providing an easy way for everyone in the community to get involved.
In addition to donations, Reading BID are seeking volunteers to help sort and manage donations at the Reading Station drop-off point. Just two hours of volunteer time can make a big difference in ensuring items are quickly and effectively distributed.
Sign up to a two-hour slot over 14–17 July here.
