Asda has launched a nationwide initiative inviting shoppers to donate pre-loved children’s books, aiming to impact local communities positively.
- Following a successful trial in select cities, the scheme will now run in over 388 Asda stores across the UK.
- Customers can donate books in designated trolleys managed by the store’s Customer and Community Champion.
- The campaign partners with the Children’s Books Project, ensuring books reach families and schools efficiently.
- Over 20,000 children are expected to benefit from book gifting festivals supported by these donations.
Asda has embarked on a nationwide campaign encouraging the donation of pre-loved children’s books. The initiative, which encourages community engagement, aims to distribute these books back into local areas across the United Kingdom.
The campaign follows a trial that proved successful in Asda locations throughout Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and London, where it garnered over 6,000 book donations. This pilot run demonstrated the community’s willingness to support literacy and accessibility for children in need.
Building on this success, the programme has expanded to more than 388 Asda stores nationwide. Customers are encouraged to participate by dropping their unwanted books into trolleys placed at the front of each store. These donation points are overseen by the Customer and Community Champion, ensuring the smooth collection and distribution of the books.
A key partner in this campaign is the Children’s Books Project. This collaboration ensures that donated books are effectively redistributed to families and schools, directly benefiting young readers. The project aligns with Asda’s commitment to making books accessible to all children, removing financial barriers that may hinder access to reading materials.
Carolyn Francis, Asda’s local community adviser, underlines the importance of the initiative, stating, ‘All children should be able to access a book without the cost being a barrier.’ This initiative also offers families an opportunity to declutter their homes while contributing positively to their community.
An inspiring aspect of the campaign is its potential to reach over 20,000 children through book gifting festivals. These events, hosted by schools and community groups, will utilise the donated books to foster a love for reading amongst young minds.
Asda’s initiative not only promotes literacy but also reflects its commitment to social responsibility and community support.
