Just one book can brighten a vulnerable child's Christmas: BookTrust launches festive fundraising campaign

Published on: 05 November 2019 Author: Catriona Wightman

BookTrust is appealing to the public to help brighten Christmas for vulnerable children this year.

A boy with a magical book

Illustration: Ashling Lindsay

BookTrust has launched its 2019 Christmas fundraising campaign, calling on members of the public to help them send special book gifts to vulnerable children across the country.

A donation of just £10 will send a surprise gift to a young person who is vulnerable or in care, with the aim to reach over 12,000 children across the UK.

Each gift will include a specially chosen hardback book along with a letter from Waterstones Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell, a poster and bookmark created by illustrator Neal Layton, and a postcard.

Six hardback titles - including The Paddington Treasury and Alastair Humphrey's Great Adventurers - have been carefully selected according to the children's ages.

The gifts will be sent out to members of BookTrust's Letterbox Club, a programme for young people who are vulnerable or looked after.

A postcard from Letterbox Club member Gracie

'I am so happy and proud to be included in the Christmas gift parcel this year, and thrilled children are being sent a book in this parcel as a present!' said Cowell.

'Books make the BEST presents, because they help you dream big, and make your own magic.

'I hope this Christmas parcel puts a smile on every child's face and makes them feel special and important - as all children should.'

Meanwhile, BookTrust's CEO Diana Gerald said: 'This time of year can be extremely tough for vulnerable children and at BookTrust we want to make this time a little easier for them if we can.

'A £10 donation can send a book gift to one child, and go some way to brighten their Christmas and help them feel special.'

Money raised from the appeal will also support sending book gifts during 2020 and BookTrust's work with vulnerable children throughout the year.

Send a special book gift now

Download the full press release

Topics: Letterbox Club, News


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