Educational publisher gives out 500 books to children across London

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds have received 500 educational books alongside food parcels over the last two months.

Educational publisher Twinkl and food redistribution charity City Harvest joined forces to hand out the books to families who might have difficulties accessing them during the pandemic.

Charities in South London that received donations include homeless charity Ace of Clubs, Solace Women’s Aid and a food bank in Lambeth.

City Harvest collects surplus food from all sectors of the food industry including restaurants, grocers, hotels and caterers and redistribute it to 350 organisations which provide meals or parcels to those in need.

Laura Winningham, CEO of City Harvest, said: “City Harvest is delighted to partner with Twinkl to distribute books at what is a very bleak time for many. Our ‘Lockdown Love’ campaign focuses on how people can share the love in lockdown and Twinkl’s beautiful act of kindness is a great example.

“Everyday we see the poverty and lack of access to basic resources and needs that so many Londoners face. We are asking London to focus on the positive, look at how they can help one another, and together, we can raise each other up.” 

Jonathan Seaton, Co-founder and CEO of Twinkl, said: “We wanted to bring some light to what has been a very challenging time, and we thought what better way to spread some joy than through the Gift of Reading?

“We also know that this continues to be a difficult time for many families and that access to libraries or being able to buy books has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. We are delighted to have been able to work with City Harvest and other charities across the UK to help families have access to books, whatever their circumstances.”