Summer Donation Drive: Support Local Young People in Reading

27th June 2025

Following the incredible community response to this January’s Winter Warmer campaign, Reading residents are being invited to show their support once again—this time through the 2025 Summer Donation Drive, launching this July. 

Organised by Reading Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Brighter Futures for Children, the campaign aims to collect vital supplies for vulnerable children and young people across Reading. These include young carers, care leavers, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, as well as babies and new mums. 

Last year’s summer campaign saw more than 80 boxes of food, clothing and toiletries donated by local businesses. This year, the initiative returns even stronger, with a public donation point at Reading Station, giving everyone a chance to take part. Donations can be dropped off between Monday 14 – Thursday 17 July from 9:30am - 5:30pm.

“Last year’s incredible response showed just how generous Reading’s community can be,” said Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager. “This year, we want to build on that success by introducing a public donation option, giving everyone a chance to help make a difference to vulnerable young people in our community.” 

What’s Needed 

The donation drive is asking for new or nearly new items. Here’s what you can bring: 

For Young People 

(Young carers, care leavers, asylum-seeking children) 

• Backpacks & school supplies (pens, folders, pencil cases, etc.) 
• School shoes/trainers 
• Clothing basics (t-shirts, underwear, socks, sweatshirts) 
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sanitary items, etc.) 
• Bed linen & towels (single bedding, mattress protectors, bath towels) 
• Cleaning supplies (washing-up liquid, laundry detergent, bathroom spray) 
• Food essentials (pasta, rice, tinned goods, cereal, sauces) 
• Bike helmets (new only) and locks 

For Mums and Babies 

(Including vulnerable women and asylum-seeking families) 

• Large holdall bags 
• Maternity items (sanitary towels, breast pads, dark underwear) 
• Nightwear (dressing gowns, nighties, slippers/flip flops) 
• Toiletries (toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, hairbrushes) 
• Baby essentials (nappies, water wipes, cotton wool, muslin cloths) 
• Newborn clothing (sleepsuits, hats, mitts, vests) 
• Blankets and towels (dark coloured preferred) 

How You Can Help

🧡 Drop your donations at Reading Station between 14–17 July, 9:30am – 5:30pm 
🧡 Spread the word with friends, neighbours and colleagues 
🧡 Share our campaign posts from @visitrdg 

With up to 9,500 local young people benefiting from Brighter Futures for Children’s Summer Activities Programme, this is a chance for the Reading community to come together and make a real difference. 

Let’s show our town’s young people the same warmth we offered last winter—and help make this summer one for the books.