At this time of year, I want to highlight to Oxford Mail readers the immense generosity shown to PACT from the Oxfordshire community over the past year.

Parents And Children Together is a charity that works across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley, with a mission to build and strengthen families.

We run children’s centres in Abingdon, Wallingford, Didcot, Sutton Courtenay, Wantage, Berinsfield and Witney.

We exist and grow as a charity because of the kind support of volunteers, our staff and the partners and agencies that we work with. What this means is that, in 2010, more than 4,400 children, families and vulnerable people received the support they needed.

More than 30 children are spending their first Christmas with new families because of placements through our adoption and fostering service, and many struggling families have established a securer future through PACT’s help.

I am also pleased to let you know that we are celebrating our 100th birthday in 2011 Our centenary celebrations start with a service of thanksgiving at Reading Minster, where 100 candles will be lit to symbolise our history, the hundreds of families and individuals helped by our services and our determination to empower individuals.

We are calling for anyone involved with PACT now or in the past to join us for our celebrations on January 14. For more information email info@pactcharity.org or visit our website at pactcharity.org.

Jan Fishwick, Chief Executive, Parents And Children Together,