Can you give a book?
A WOKINGHAM children’s charity is asking the borough to help stock their library of books.
First Days supports children in the borough whose families are living with a low income or experiencing financial hardship.
Its Elevate Centre in the town provides a wide range of school uniform, and winter clothes for families to choose from.
It also houses a range of children’s books.
“All evidence shows that reading for enjoyment is the single biggest factor in improving a child’s life chances,” said First Days CEO Emma Cantrell.
“Reading transforms children’s education, and can have a huge impact on their future prospects.”
The charity wants to ensure that their Elevate library, and their Mobile Support Hub, are both stocked with a wide range of books for young people, in time for World Book Day, on Thursday, March 7.
On this day, youngsters in primary schools around the globe will dress up as their favourite story character.
“The books we stock are free, but finding a suitable dressing up costume can be expensive,” said Ms Cantrell, “so we stock free fancy dress, too.
“We want all children to be able to take part fully in World Book day,” said Ms Cantrell.
“Reading really is the magic token.
“We’d like to get books into people’s homes, and for children to enjoy owning them.
“To want to come home and pick up a story they love is key.”
The charity is asking the borough to donate a range of good quality books for children and teens, along with children’s fancy dress items.
These can be dropped off at First Days’ headquarters at Unit 9,The Business Centre, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham.
“We’ve had a great response to our social media campaign, but we’d love to receive more,” said Ms Cantrell,
They can also be placed in one of donation bins dotted around the community, at: The Elevate Centre, Wokingham, Morrisons, Woosehill, Tesco, Wokingham, Wokingham Library, Wokingham Baptist Church, Norreys Church, Wokingham, St Crispin School, Sainsbury’s, Winnersh, Woodford Park Leisure Centre, FBC, Finchampstead, Arborfield Green Leisure Centre at Bohunt school, Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, and Ryeish Green Leisure Centre.
■ For more information, visit: www. firstdays.net