Children receiving treatment in healthcare settings and children living in emergency accommodation and Direct Provision, are among those who will receive a share of over 2,000 books this Christmas season, thanks to Children’s Books Ireland. Launching their ‘Gift a Book’ appeal, the national charity is calling on the public for help to support children in need across the island of Ireland.
Following the success of last year’s appeal which raised over €14,000 through generous public donations, Children’s Books Ireland is working with community groups and charities including Respond, BUMBLEance, Waterford Immigration Network, Novas, Tipperary Rural Travellers’ Project and Mosney Village to deliver books to children in their services ahead of Christmas Day.
OFFERING ‘POSSIBILITIES’
Children of all ages will receive titles such as The Golden Hare by Paddy Donnelly and Milly McCarthy and the Christmas Calamity by Leona Forde and Karen Harte, which Children’s Books Ireland hope will ignite a life-long love of reading.
“Every child deserves the chance to become a reader and to find joy and comfort in a brilliant book,” said Children’s Books Ireland CEO, Elaina Ryan. “Together with our partners in charities and community groups, we can ensure that the children who need it most have a book to keep and call their own at Christmas.
“A book offers a world of possibilities! The gift of a book brings a much-needed moment of happiness, and we want to share that joy with every child in need,” she said.
Along with providing children with a gift to unwrap on Christmas Day, the gift will help children to develop a life-changing love of reading which will benefit them in a multitude of ways. Recent research carried out by the National Literary Trust in 2023 found that children who have books of their own read more often and, practice reading for joy. They also have improved reading ability and experience positive changes in behaviour, learning and mental wellbeing.
ONE BOOK AT A TIME
Ms Ryan continued: “We are inundated with requests from charities across the country who want to bring the magic of Christmas to the children and families in their services. In launching this appeal, we want to help the thousands of children who still need our support.
“We are so grateful to everyone whose donations will help us to fulfil this Christmas wish. Help us to change children’s lives, one book at a time, by donating”.
LIMITED ACCESS
Similarly, an Irish study found that book giveaway programmes improved children’s ‘at home’ reading environment and helped them develop better reading skills. These positive outcomes, combined with a 15% increase in the number of children in Ireland entering emergency accommodation over the past year – where access to books and toys is often limited – highlight the critical importance of initiatives like the ‘Gift a Book’ appeal.
‘IMPACTFUL LOVE OF READING’
Niamh Randall, Director of Strategy and Public Affairs at Respond, one of the charities benefiting from the ‘Gift a Book’ appeal, said they’re hoping to make Christmas extra special.
“Respond is delighted to work with Children’s Books Ireland this Christmas and receive a generous donation of books for the children and young people throughout our services. Gifting a book to each child gives them the start they need to develop a life-long and impactful love of reading.
“Every festive season Respond staff work incredibly hard to make Christmas special for the children in our Family Homeless Services. We are grateful to Children’s Books Ireland for their support in ensuring that every child has a book to read and enjoy this Christmas.”
To donate or learn more about the ‘Gift a Book’ appeal, visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie/giftabook.
