Reading charity gives away books at food banks this Christmas
Olivia McCrea-Hedley
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Free books for children and adults are to be handed out at food banks during the festive period, thanks to a partnership between Booktrust and The Trussell Trust food bank network.
The Booktrust has donated a variety of books to be given out alongside emergency food parcels to families in need. This follows publication of the Trust's Feeding Britain food bank report, which highlighted a significant rise in the number of people using food banks.
Viv Bird, chief executive of Booktrust, said, ‘We are delighted to work alongside food banks to support families who are going through a challenging time this Christmas.
‘Books can make a big difference to people’s lives. During stressful and difficult periods sharing books with each other is a good way for families to take time out and relax.
'All the research shows that reading together strengthens family bonds and helps children to do better at school, whatever the family’s background.’
Books have already been distributed at Wandsworth food bank. Jasmine Green, a visitor to the bank, chose some for her seven-year-old son Keyani and one for herself.
‘It’s so nice of Booktrust to hand out books with food parcels. I am going to give a couple of these books to my son today so we can read them at bedtime […] I am going to wrap up the other books to give him for Christmas,’ she said.
Booktrust will be visiting food banks across the country throughout December, including Birmingham today between 10am-1.30pm, Coventry on Friday 12, Manchester on Saturday 13and West Norwood in London on Friday 19.
