The importance of the annual “Give-A-Book Christmas Campaign” is being stressed more than ever this year.
The Organization for Literacy in Lambton (OLL) initiative, which puts books in the hands of young readers, will help families who’ve had learning routines disrupted by the pandemic, bond through a love of reading and communicating.
Family Literacy Coordinator Rosemary Travis said new, unwrapped books can be dropped off until December 1 at The Book Keeper at Northgate Plaza, at Coles at Lambton Mall and at the OLL office at the Lochiel Kiwanis Centre.
“It’s a feel-good type of activity, you give a book, you share a story,” said Travis. “You open a world to people that they haven’t been involved in before perhaps, or you’re reigniting a passion for storytelling, for sharing, all of those wonderful things, curiosity, adventure, giggles if it’s a joke book.”
She said The Book Keeper is offering a 20 per cent discount on books purchased for the campaign.
“We’re accepting donations of books for newborns, up to young adults, so even up to the age of 16, 17, 18 and if you don’t feel comfortable going out and shopping in person, then we are asking folks to go to our website at readsarnia.org and make a cash donation and we can do the purchasing for you.”
Travis said tax receipts can be issued for any donations made online.
Over 2,200 books were distributed in 2019.
“We do anticipate the request will come in for higher numbers [this year], and we hope to be able to meet as many of those storytelling requests as we can,” she said.
The books will be distributed through the Inn of the Good Shepherd, Christmas for Everyone campaign and Huron House Boys Home.
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