A charity that has provided more than 2,500 free books to Melton children said it now has the capacity to provide to more organisations in need.
123Read2Me is a charity that has distributed more than 800,000 free books to children in lower socioeconomic areas.
In Melton the charity distributes new and second hand books through council-ran groups and schools.
The charity is now processing about 2000 books a week in greater Melbourne, and is keen to hear from organisations who have children in need of the tools required to begin their lifelong reading journey.
“We’re on track to do one million by the end of this financial year, starting from one little box of books 11 years ago,” she said.
“Having grown up in a little country school, and I struggled with reading and writing, it’s been massive in overcoming my limitations and fears and being able to make a difference for all these children is really exciting… yet the more I get into it the more need I realise there is,” she said.
“Reading a book to a child is the easiest way to help them learn to read and a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories.”
Along with children’s organisations, Ms Shelley said the organisation is keen for volunteers, and to find a Fish n Chip shop in the Melton area to set up an “Operation Takeaway” distribution point in the municipality.
Melton council Families and Playgroups officer Leanne Hickey said the donated books have joyful learning experience to families within Melton that are often still finding their feet in our country and culture.
Details: 123read2me.org.au/
