Warrnambool Library and the Fletcher Jones Family Foundation are reviving the Fletcher Jones tradition of Christmas book-giving at that began in Warrnambool many decades ago.
"In response to what has been a difficult year for many, the Warrnambool community is invited to experience the joy of giving by donating a new book that will be distributed to disadvantaged and stressed families before Christmas," Warrnambool Mayor Cr Richard Ziegeler said.
"When my own children were born, we made the solemn commitment that if nothing else, we would do all we could to ensure that they could read. For if they can read, they have access to the world"
"Your gift can make a profound difference to a child's life".
"Books help children develop basic language skills and profoundly expand their vocabularies much more than any other media. They nourish imaginations; develop critical thinking; help us understand ourselves and our world; they answer questions; comfort us and inspire us, and they entertain us and offer an escape."
Fletcher Jones Family Foundation Executive Officer Annabel Cussen said the Fletcher Jones Christmas picnics, where children were presented with a book, still hold a special place in the hearts of many in the Warrnambool community.
"We are thrilled to be able to support this campaign in honour of that legacy," Ms Cussen said.
"We still hear so many wonderful stories from people who received books from FJ Santa, who still keep and cherish their gifted books."
New books suitable for a child from 0 - 18 years old should be delivered to the Warrnambool Library before December 20.
Please leave gifts unwrapped so that librarians can identify a suitable recipient of your gift.
Used books cannot be accepted.
The Fletcher Jones Family Foundation will donate a book for every book donated by the community and provide additional books so that as many people as possible share in the book-giving campaign.
