Calling on Wicklow to ‘Gift a Book’ and change a child’s life this Christmas

The national charity is partnering with community groups and charities in Wicklow.

It’s so much more than a book, it’s the gift of reading which can be lifelong and life-changing for a child.

That’s the message from Childrens Books Ireland . They're calling on people in Wicklow to support this year’s ‘Gift a Book’ appeal. Over 2,000 books will be delivered to children in need across Ireland, including those accessing support services, experiencing homelessness and living in Direct Provision centres in Wicklow.

Last year’s appeal raised over €15,000 through generous public donations. Children’s Books Ireland is once again partnering with community groups and charities in Wicklow – including the Wicklow Child & Family Project– to make sure a  book reaches children in need in time for Christmas.

Titles to be gifted to children this year come from a range of Irish artists and include:

• ‘Let’s Play Rugby’ by Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard and illustrated by Ashwin Chacko
• ‘Letters to a Monster’ by Patricia Forde and illustrated by Sarah Warburton
• ‘Solo’ by Gráinne O’Brien

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said:

“In a world with ever-increasing costs and growing financial pressures, children’s books have become a luxury item for many families. But books are essential for every child, and we need your help in Wicklow to give the gift of a book to children and young people who need it most.

“Your donation, however small, will change a child’s life. Children who read experience higher levels of mental wellbeing, self-esteem and empathy. When children see themselves and their experiences in the story that they’re reading, they feel less alone.

“We are inundated with requests from fellow charities and community groups in Wicklow and across the country who want to bring a moment of solace to the families in their services. With your support, we can give a child the comfort of a story they can come back to again and again, an escape from the world when they need it most.

The national charity believes we can change children’s lives, one book at a time. 

Want to learn more about the ‘Gift a Book’ appeal? Find out at www.childrensbooksireland.ie/giftabook.