St Helens Library Service donates 250 festive books packs to foodbanks and pantries

Article date: 13 December 2013

As part of an initiative by the UK's largest reading charity, Booktrust, to ensure that, as well as food on the table, children have presents under the tree - St Helens Library Service acquired 250 festive book parcels for children aged 0-12 to be distributed to the following projects:  

• Derbyshire Hill Family & Community Centre / Sexton Avenue Community Allotments (Parr)  
• St Helens Mobile Pantry   
• Cornerstone Food Pantry (Eccleston)  
• St Marks T.A.N.G.O Food Pantry (Haydock)  
• St Matthew's Food Pantry (Thatto Heath)  
• St Helens Hope Food Pantry (Town Centre)   

On top of this, a selection of adult book packs donated to the library service by St Helens born author, Carole Matthews, during St Helens' year as Borough of Culture, have been put together containing some of her best-selling titles. 

After collecting 120 Booktrust Festive Book packs and 12 adult reading packs to be handed out to families that use the St Helens Mobile Pantry, Paul Cooper, Mobile Food Pantry Coordinator, said:   

"The Mobile Food Pantry operates at four locations across the borough, delivering affordable food into the heart of some of the most deprived communities.  

"We are delighted to be working with St Helens Library Service in the distribution of the Book Trust's Festive Book packs to the communities we provide our vital service to. We feel the Festive Book Packs will be a valuable addition to the service we currently offer."  

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Communities and Culture said: 

"Foodbanks and pantries play a vital role in ensuring the most vulnerable in our communities can access food and other essential supplies which we as a council do all we can to support - so I'm delighted that we've been able to extend that support by providing these festive books which can often be taken for granted but is sadly a luxury that some families can't afford.

"Christmas is considered to be the most wonderful time of the year but for some, it can be overwhelming and a struggle, particular during the current financial climate. We hope that donating these books can provide some comfort to the recipient and spread a bit of Christmas cheer."  

If you or someone you know need help over the festive period, a range of support is available by visiting www.sthelens.gov.uk/sthelenstogether