For the past four years Cannock and District Soroptimists have actively supported the charity Rotary Books4Home, led by Beverley Ricketts, honorary member of the Rotary Club of Cannock and member of the Alumni Association of Rotary.
Rotary Books4Home provides pre-loved books to children who otherwise would not own a book of their own – something that is alien to so many of us. With the continuing difficulties families face to manage their finances, books for the children are a luxury they cannot afford. And that is where we can all help.
The campaigns Soroptimists have held previously have led to the most generous and amazing donations from people all over the Cannock Chase area – and we are certain that will be the case this time. This campaign runs from Wednesday 7th February to Wednesday 21st February and many libraries in the area have agreed to be our collection points.
We’re asking all children to ‘have a sort out’ of their books and to donate any they no longer want to keep to our collection so that another child can enjoy that book. At the same time we’re saving the book from being pulped!
Libraries accepting your books are: Brereton, Burntwood, Cannock, Heath Hayes, Hednesford, Norton Canes, Penkridge and Rugeley; Nina Charles Beauty Salon in Cheslyn Hay has also kindly agreed to accept books on our behalf. Soroptimists are providing boxes for the venues and will be calling in regularly to empty them.
Soroptimists, along with Rotary Books4Home are making a difference in the world.
In the last 14 years over 138,000 books have been given to children across Staffordshire, Shropshire and parts of the West Midlands. The latest research from the National Literacy Trust reveals that children’s reading enjoyment is at its lowest level in almost two decades: please help us to reverse that trend and donate children’s pre-loved books during our current campaign – thank you!!
More about Rotary Books4Home can be found at www.rotaryalumni1210.co.uk/rotary-books4home
Photo shows SI Cannock’s Jackie Prince and Trish Mellor with Beverley Ricketts