Bookstart has kick-started the Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal by donating over 50,000 books for children aged 0-6, which will be distributed within communities, to people of all faiths, in time for Christmas.

Bookstart is the national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible by giving three packs of free books to every child in the UK. It is run by the independent national charity Booktrust, which encourages people of all ages and cultures to discover and enjoy reading.

The Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal collects presents to distribute in local communities during December. With more than 750 local churches and community centres, The Salvation Army is able to identify local needs to ensure that everyone who deserves a new present at Christmas will receive a gift.

Major Ian Harris, Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, said: "This is a marvellous start to The Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal.

"We are so grateful to Bookstart for this fantastic donation and we hope the books, which will make excellent stocking-fillers, will also encourage young children and parents to read together in the New Year."

Booktrust has chosen to support The Salvation Army following their own endorsement by Prime Minister Gordon Brown whose Christmas card this year raises funds for the reading charity.

Rosemary Clarke, Head of Bookstart, said that the donation would "allow us to give books to children who may not otherwise receive the gift of a book at Christmas".

For many years, The Salvation Army across the UK and Ireland has collected presents to distribute to local communities. The majority of gifts distributed are toys for children aged 0-16. Generous members of the public donate a new, unwrapped gift to their local Salvation Army or at a pre-determined collection point in their local area. These are then wrapped by volunteers and distributed through The Salvation Army's own networks, local social services, health visitors and other charities.




[Re-printed in Christian Today with the kind permission of The Salvation Army]