HarperCollins donates more than 4,000 books to hospitals and hospices

HarperCollins is donating more than 4,000 books to hospitals and hospices close to its offices, with an accompanying message from David Walliams, as well as supporting supporting various charities this Christmas across England, Scotland and Ireland.

This year, HarperCollins is supporting Focus 4 Hope in Honley, CentrePoint in London, Rock Trust in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Wood Street Mission in Manchester, and Focus Ireland in Dublin.  

The donations will help Focus 4 Hope in West Yorkshire to feed 10 families for one week and CentrePoint in London to provide 20 beds this Christmas, while Rock Trust, across Edinburgh and Glasgow, will help five young people living alone for the first time to heat their home through the winter.  

Wood Street Mission in Manchester will provide 50 families with essential toiletries and Focus Ireland in Dublin will be receiving a sponsorship from HarperCollins UK to provide at least 200 meals in the Focus Ireland coffee shop.  

Sarah McPhee, head of events and CSR, at HarperCollins said:  "We are delighted to be able to support these important charities this Christmas It is our hope that our donations will make a difference in the lives of those who need them in the local communities.” 

HarperCollins is also donating over 4,200 books to 19 different children’s hospitals and hospices that serve the communities close to its offices, including copies of some of David Walliams’ bestselling titles, with a video message from the author for the children, their families and hospital staff.  

McPhee added: “HarperCollins hopes that these books will bring joy and comfort to the young patients, as well as their families and care-givers.” 

Sue Pruden, play service manager at Evelina London Children’s Hospital in London, said: “We are so grateful to HarperCollins for once again donating books to the hospital for our patients this festive season. Books are such a popular gift, as reading can be a welcome distraction from being in hospital for the babies, toddlers, children and teenagers who get to enjoy them.”