Waterstones Gloucester are encouraging shoppers to support their community with the Giving Tree.

The charity, Community Foster Care, have provided the genders, ages and wishes of each child in foster care in Gloucestershire. The idea is that people buy a gift that would suit that child, to be wrapped up and sent in time for Christmas.

So far, Gloucester's generosity has seen 41 children's wishes granted in the three weeks since the project began.

Therefore, they have launched a second round and are aiming to get two presents per child.

Becky Kelly, manager of Waterstones Gloucester said: "For me, this is important for two reasons:

"Firstly, with the state that the world is in at the moment, it is such a heart-warming reminder that there are kind people in abundance, and that our natural state is not one of division but one of compassion. Giving to these children feels really in keeping with true Christmas spirit and it is bringing me such joy to see people's generosity and kindness towards strangers.

"Secondly, the power of a book is phenomenal. I am keenly aware that many of these children will not have had access to literature in the same way that children who aren't in foster care might have. Reading genuinely changes lives. I am excited by the thought that perhaps one of these gifts could change a child's life forever in a really positive way.

"There's a quote from the film You've Got Mail which I often think of, 'when you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.' I truly believe this, and what a wonderful positive Christmas gift to give a child in a tough situation."

Visit Waterstones Gloucester before December 19, choose a tag from the Christmas tree in store and take it to the checkout to contribute to this community initiative.