Best Start is a Victorian Government initiative providing support to families and caregivers with children aged up to eight years.
Best Start has a focus on the development of language and literacy skills, with many of the programs promoting the importance of reading to children.
These programs require a regular supply of books.
“Reading and sharing different stories can encourage (children’s) imagination, develop focus and concentration and develop language and communication,” council director community Louise Mitchell said.
To coincide with the Children’s Book Council Australia Book Week, from Saturday, August 17 to Friday, August 24, Best Start is launching its Book Drive campaign, seeking contributions from community members throughout August.
Council has contributed to the book drive for the past five years, collecting over 1500 books so far.
“This is a great initiative that was launched successfully for the first time during COVID,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Quite often children will grow out of books, so being able to share and donate pre-loved books provides the opportunity for other kids to develop crucial early literary skills.”
If you are looking to declutter your home and contribute to the community, books can be dropped at a collection point at the Greater Shepparton City Council Offices at 90 Welsford St.
Collection is now open and will close on Friday, August 23.
Alternatively, arrangements can be made for books to be picked up by emailing Belinda Schmedje at belinda.schmedje@shepparton.com.au
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