More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), which manages five leisure centres in Oxford, is partnering with national charity the Children’s Book Project to collect books for underprivileged children.
From 07 to 31 October, the trust’s five centres will host a charity book drive so the local community can donate good-quality children’s books, which can then be distributed to children across the UK who cannot afford their own books.
The Children’s Book Project is dedicated to tackling ‘book poverty’, aiming to afford every child the opportunity of owning a book. The charity recognises that book ownership can significantly enhance a child’s reading fluency and successful progression through education.
The participating facilities are Barton Leisure Centre, Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, Ferry Leisure Centre, Hinksey Outdoor Pool and Oxford Ice Rink.
Brian Taylor, Chair of More Leisure Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Children’s Book Project. This is an important cause, so we would encourage everyone to bring their spare children’s books to our centres and play your part in giving a child the gift of reading!”
Kirstin Knell, Corporate Partnerships Manager for the Children’s Book Project, said: “We are so pleased that More Leisure Community Trust in Oxford is collecting books for us, helping us on our mission to eradicate book poverty amongst children across the UK.
“Families can make a huge impact by donating books they’ve grown out of will at their local centres. We promise that these books will get to the children who need them most. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to donate to us.”
Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford at Oxford City Council, said: “We are proud to support this important initiative in our leisure centres which brings the community together to help tackle book poverty.
“Access to books is a vital part of a child’s development, and this drive offers an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people.”
Founded in 2019, The Children’s Book Project won the Queen’s Award for Volunteering in 2020 and has since donated over 1 million books across the UK.
More Leisure Community Trust is an independent not-for-profit legal entity that partners with Serco Leisure Operating Ltd, who deliver services on their behalf.
More Leisure Community Trust is committed to promoting a healthier, happier nation, encouraging people to exercise regularly and introduce more activity into their daily lives.
