Summer Donation Drive Collects Hundreds of Essential Items for Local Families
21st July 2026
Reading BID Brings Community Together for Third Year Running
Reading Business Improvement District (BID) is celebrating the success of its third annual Summer Donation Drive, which saw local businesses, offices, volunteers and members of the public come together to support families across Reading during the summer holidays.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Reading community, this year’s campaign collected hundreds of essential items, including toiletries, food supplies and children’s resources. Donations included 120 shower gels, 65 tubes of toothpaste, 120 tins and jars, 55 packs of pasta and rice, 20 packs of nappies, 72 packs of wipes, 60 drawing sets and multiple piles of children’s clothing, alongside much more.
All donations have now been handed over to Reading Borough Council’s Family Hubs, where they will be distributed to support local families throughout the summer. The items will provide practical support to families who may be facing additional pressures during the school holidays, helping to ensure they have access to everyday essentials and resources.
The Summer Donation Drive first launched in 2024 and has continued to grow each year, bringing together Reading’s businesses, residents and wider community to make a positive difference in the town where they live, work and spend time. Alongside collection points hosted across town centre office locations, a public donation point at Reading Station was supported by volunteers from local businesses, Hampshire Community Rail Partnership CIC and Network Rail staff.
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Alexa Volker, Manager of Reading BID, said: “For the third year running, Reading has demonstrated the power of its community. We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s Summer Donation Drive. The incredible range of donations collected will make a real difference to families across the town over the summer months.
“It’s important not to underestimate the impact of practical support — campaigns like this don’t just provide essential items; they also remind people that their community is behind them.”
See how Reading BID is continuing to make a positive impact across our community here.
