BookTrust Christmas Appeal: "Help is needed. A lot of families won’t have many books in their house"
Published on: 19 November 2024
The ‘Bread and Butter Thing’ is a food project supporting low-income communities. Tony Kelly volunteers for them in Hartlepool, where BookTrust’s festive book parcels are being gifted to families. He reflects on why sharing a book with a child is a unique, timeless gift.
“The Bread and Butter Thing is a low-cost way for people to get food supplies. Money’s so tight for a lot of people at the moment. Help is needed here in Hartlepool.
“As volunteers, we come here, we pack bags of fresh food up and chat to people when they come in to collect them. We have some quite large families who come here , some with very young children.
“Whenever we have any extra items or treats to give out, the kids’ eyes just light up. Today, when they come in and find out they’re getting books from BookTrust, the reception is just going to be brilliant. Especially at this time of year. They are going to absolutely love it.”
“Sitting down to read a book isn’t done as much as it used to be. I think a lot of families here won’t have many books in their house.”
“I’ve got children myself - grandchildren now. When a child is just learning to read, you have to sit with them and read that story again and again. Sitting there sharing a book and spending that time with a child is priceless. They remember the time we spend with them, not the things we buy them.”
“Families these days aren’t 2.4 children anymore. They’re all different things but it doesn’t matter what they are - reading a book together is the same.
“It’s a special time where you’re not taking notice of anything else, you’re just in a little bubble enjoying that time together. That’s absolutely vital. And really enjoyable.”
Please donate today to help more children discover a love of books that could last a lifetime
Topics: Christmas, Features, Testimonials
