Doorstep Library, a leading London literacy charity, has launched its 2024 Big Give Campaign for the fourth consecutive year.
The #ChampionsForChildren campaign is designed to address low literacy rates across London, where funds raised will enable volunteers to run shared reading sessions with over 900 children in the boroughs of Westminster, Lambeth, Hammersmith & Fulham, Camden and Kensington & Chelsea.
Doorstep Library relies on funds to deliver high-quality training and safeguarding, to recruit dedicated volunteers, and to purchase new and diverse children’s books. They offer a free service and rely on the generosity of their supporters to keep their weekly reading sessions running.
Support with literacy is needed now more than ever, as children in the UK face significant gaps in learning post-pandemic. Adding to this, the cost-of-living crisis has made access to affordable literature increasingly difficult, with 1 in 5 children in the UK not owning a single book (National Literacy Trust).
Doorstep Library’s volunteers work as ‘reading buddies’ for families, who arrive on the doorstep or online with books for children and read with them. Parents are encouraged to join in, building a foundation for enthusiastic reading from childhood.
The charity is hoping to raise £25,000 towards their reading projects which will be doubled to £50,000 under ‘The Big Give’ with all donations to be matched. So, for every £10 donated, £20 will be given to support Doorstep Library’s work. They are also asking the public to engage with the campaign via social media and spread the word to friends and family.
CEO Katie Bareham, one of Doorstep Library’s first volunteers, says: “We know that low literacy carries life-long implications for children. We believe all children should be able to access books with ease outside the classroom, and are committed to closing the disadvantage gap which has unfortunately widened post-pandemic. Instilling a love of reading increases opportunities not just in school, but in later life too.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank our community, whose generous support has allowed us to deliver books to over 2,000 children across the UK to date. We truly believe that every story read is a story changed. This year’s Champions for Children Campaign will mean our volunteers can reach new families in London and continue to bring the magic of reading to those who need it the most.”
For more information about Doorstep Library and the impact of the charity’s work, visit the website here: doorsteplibrary.org.uk
To become a volunteer, register your interest here: doorsteplibrary.org.uk/volunteer
Read more about the impact of Doorstep Library’s work here in the 2023 Impact Report.