Nearly 400 books were donated recently by pupils and staff at Ipswich Prep and delivered to EACH – The Treehouse, Ipswich.
The initiative was organised to coincide with the 25th anniversary of World Book Day, which took place on 3 March.
“We’re so thrilled to spread the reading joy,” said Ipswich Prep’s librarian Mrs Mee.
“I thought it would be wonderful to celebrate our passion and love for sharing books, stories and reading, so I created the Red Rucksack Appeal.
“As a school community, we’re passionate about forging strong links and supporting local charities, neighbouring organisations and schools in the area.
“I asked if children would like to donate either new or good-condition books they have loved and no longer wanted, to be passed onto other children who would be able to enjoy them.”
The Red Rucksack was kept in the school library and, in total, staff and students donated 385 books.
The hope is that they will “bring a smile” to children across three EACH hospices.
“EACH instantly came to mind – we have worked with the charity in the past and it’s also somewhere I pass most days on my way to work – and in our World Book Day assembly I spoke about The Treehouse.
“I told students about the amazing work it does, the children and young people in its care and how wonderful it would be to spread our love of books to them.
“I was amazed by their generosity and my heart was warmed by them asking about EACH.
“They popped into the library to ask me things and they were so pleased they could help in a small way.
“To share our love of books, pictures and reading is a wonderful gift.”
The donations will be divided between EACH’s three hospices, also including Milton, near Cambridge, and The Nook, in Framingham Earl, just outside Norwich. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk and East Anglia.
