Give a gift to those in need

THE annual Giving Tree campaign, providing gifts for victims of domestic abuse and their families over Christmas, has been launched.

Last year, the campaign, run by West Berkshire Council, touched the hearts of many people across the district, with the council receiving 187 presents.

This year, the council is teaming up with local domestic abuse services, and has announced that the Giving Tree has extended its branches to include trees at the Newbury, Theale and Hungerford libraries.

An online booking platform has also been set up, so there are even more ways people can get involved in the gift of giving.

All Giving Tree labels contain anonymised information on the person the gift will be for – for example, ‘Girl aged nine,’ or ‘Man aged 82’.

Graham Bridgman, the council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “Every present gives victims of domestic abuse in West Berkshire hope for a better Christmas.

“It’s really easy to take part in this act of kindness and, quite often, this will be the only gift someone will receive this year.

“The Giving Tree allows us to share the Christmas spirit by donating a gift to a child or adult in need.”

If participating in person, residents can select a label from one of the locations, buy a corresponding gift and drop it back off.

If online, participants can use the council’s web booking platform to select who they would like to buy a gift for. The deadline for gifts is Wednesday, December 15.

For more information, visit https://info.westberks.gov.uk/givingtree2021