Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP, has launched his annual book drive, calling for book donations to encourage kids to keep reading over their summer holidays and turn reading into a life-long habit.
Local residents and businesses are encouraged to donate new or good quality used books that will be distributed to students in Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 at schools across the Wollongong electorate before the end of the school year.
Mr Scully is hoping that this year's book drive is bigger than ever so that more books can go to even more students across more schools.
Mr Scully hopes that despite cost of living pressures the local community will continue to support his book drive, which is now in its seventh year, and donate books or book vouchers, to keep local students reading over the summer.
Additional books that are collected will also be donated to SAHSSI for families fleeing domestic violence.
Books can be donated until Friday, 22 November 2024, at Mr Scully's office at G2, 51 Crown St, Wollongong, or his office can be contacted to make other arrangements.
Alternatively, Wests Illawarra Leagues Club will also be a book donation collection point for this year's book drive.
Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:
"There's nothing like the excitement and smiles on kids faces when you deliver books.
"The kids know that the books can open a whole new world for them and the generous people who have donated them know that they are helping to boost educational outcomes but are also helping to create a life-long love of reading.
"I am calling on the local community to support my annual book drive again this year and give generously to local kids who might be doing it tough this Christmas.
"I'm hoping that in its seventh year, we can make this book drive bigger and better and we'll be able to get more kids reading in local schools across the Wollongong electorate.
"Reading books and sharing stories can help a child's development in so many ways.
"Sadly, many local kids do not have access to books at home. This book drive helps to address that gap and hopefully changes lives in the process too."
