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The perfect gift for book-lovers this Christmas: give a disadvantaged child a book of their own for the first time
8 Nov 2010
Book-lovers everywhere will know that Christmas is the ideal time to curl up in front of the fire with a warm cup of tea and a good book. Sadly, approximately one in four children in the UK do not have books of their own* to read this festive season, or at anytime throughout the year. But this Christmas, you can help. Buy the Gift of Reading for yourself or the book-lover in your life and help the National Literacy Trust give disadvantaged children books of their own to keep.**
The National Literacy Trust is a charity working with children in disadvantaged areas, inspiring them to develop a love of reading and giving them the chance to own a book – often for the first time. By helping these children to develop vital literacy skills we are increasing their chances of living a fulfilling and successful adult life. Book-lovers from across the country will appreciate the pleasure and opportunities that being able to read brings to their lives.
- A £7 gift of reading means a child could choose a book of their own to keep.
- A £20 gift of reading means a child could choose three books of their own to keep.
- A £60 gift of reading means three children could choose three books of their own to keep.
When you buy the Gift of Reading for yourself or the book-lover in your life you will also receive a stunning Christmas card with an exclusive Gruffalo drawing by illustrator Axel Scheffler. Axel says:
“I’m delighted to support the National Literacy Trust and I encourage everyone to give the Gift of Reading to disadvantaged children this Christmas. A love of reading is a gift that has an on-going impact on a child’s life, helping them to develop the literacy skills they need to be happy and successful”.
Reading truly has the power to transform children’s lives. Sam has benefitted from the National Literacy Trust’s book gifting programme which has changed his attitude towards reading dramatically.
Sam, aged 11, says:
“I hated reading but now I love it. I changed when I found books that interested me.”
National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas believes that we owe it to our children to give them the best possible start in life. He says:
“Our research recently discovered that more children in the UK own a mobile phone than a book.* While we believe keeping up with new technology is important, we are sad that so many children could be missing out on important literacy skills and the enjoyment of a bedtime story or that can’t-put-the-book-down feeling when reading by yourself. Now you have the opportunity to help disadvantaged children discover the joy of reading too, so inspire a child today and help to transform their future opportunities.”
To buy the Gift of Reading this Christmas, please visit www.literacytrust.org.uk/christmas
Ends
*Clark and Hawkins (2010) Young People’s Reading: The importance of the home environment and family support. The full research report is available on the National Literacy Trust website here.
**The books are of excellent quality and will be given to children at inspirational reading events where they learn how to choose books for themselves and where they can get books easily in the future – perhaps by joining their local library.
If you would like further information about the National Literacy Trust’s Gift of Reading, an image of the Christmas card designed by Axel Scheffler or case studies of children whose lives have been transformed through literacy, please contact Anna Lindsay, Public Relations Officer on 0207 820 6256 or Anna.Lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to Editors
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/About/donate.html
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
