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Children’s reading charity BookTrust will give books to families using food banks and children in care throughout the festive season, as part of its Christmas appeal.
The campaign launch was backed with a YouGov poll revealing 59% of parents with children aged 18 and under who celebrate Christmas have cut back on their spending to ensure they can buy presents for their children, while 62% will be spending less money on gifts for their children.
Every £10 raised from the campaign will give one child a gift that includes a hardback book. BookTrust said it is aiming to surprise more than 16,000 children across England, Northern Ireland and Wales with gift parcels this Christmas.
Diana Gerald, BookTrust chief executive, said: “The past two years were tough, and the current cost-of-living crisis is putting additional stresses on family life and budgets.
“Christmas is usually such an exciting time for children who celebrate it, but for those whose families are now having to make difficult financial decisions and are feeling the pressure of buying gifts, this year may be quite different. Also when we think about the children living in care, there are added challenges for them, and some may be spending this Christmas away from their families for the first time.
“We want children to experience the joy of opening a present that is just for them. Through this appeal we aim to reach as many of these children as we can and give them the gift of laughter, new worlds and adventures that books can provide. Just one book can really help brighten a child’s Christmas and that’s why we’re asking for your support.”
Richard Osman, TV presenter and author, has also lent his voice to the campaign. He said: “For me, the joy and escape of a good book has been life changing. The magic of reading is for everyone, but unfortunately not every child will be lucky enough to experience it.
“This year more than ever, BookTrust’s brilliant Christmas campaign to provide surprise book parcels to thousands of disadvantaged children across the country is so important, and I am honoured to support it.”