Literature-loving youngsters across Windsor are celebrating after more than 2,000 books were donated to local schools and the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.
The books were collected from shoppers by the Tesco Superstore as part of its Books for Schools initiatives, with fun reads for teenagers, educational studies and even tales for under-5s.
Jon Davey, Community Champion at the Dedworth Road store, said: “Generous customers donated their unused books, and in total we collected about 25 plastic crates’ worth.
“The idea was originally based around us receiving educational books, ones that are part of the current syllabus but have been used by students who have now moved on other things.
“However, the reality was that we were getting more fun-to-read books than educational ones, but that was fine because it’s been more about encouraging kids to read.
“I emailed 20-odd schools in Windsor and the surrounding area twice, and those that responded were invited to come in and collect a few books each.
“We constantly hear how schools are short of funds, so this has been a great way for schools to save hundreds of pounds thanks to the generosity of parents and the children who are happy to share their books with others.”
With many of the donated books retailing for about £7 each, hundreds of pounds have been saved by the schools, and the hospice will use them to raise significant funds towards its running costs by selling the books.
Jazmin Parker, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Maidenhead-based Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, thanked Jon and the Tesco Dedworth team for their generosity.
She added: “We are so grateful to Jon and the team at Tesco Dedworth for the generous donation of these books. As a local charity, support from our community makes such a difference. We know that by fundraising with these books, we can raise vital funds that will help us give specialist care and vital support to local children and their families that need us.”
St Peter’s C of E Middle School received 50 books for its pupils, and tutor Dave Wood said the pupils are already benefiting from the donation.
He added: “The children are delighted with the books. A big thank-you to Tesco Dedworth and its customers who donated books for so many local schoolchildren.
“We were delighted to receive 50 top-quality good-as-new books for our pupils, to add to our growing library.
“Having a wide range of books for children of all reading abilities encourages them to get lost in the worlds of discovery and adventure, and encourages them to read more and more for pleasure.”
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