Books Forever: Opening Doors to a Brighter Future for Children in Manchester and Salford
At Wood Street Mission, we believe in the power of stories. Not just the ones inside the pages of a book, but also the stories we help shape. Every time a child picks up a book, they can call it their own.
For many families across Manchester and Salford living in poverty, books can feel like a luxury. That’s where our Books Forever project comes in. It ensures that every child, regardless of background, can access the joy, wonder, and opportunity that books bring.
More Than Just Pages
Every book donated through Books Forever is more than just paper and print. It’s a gateway.
- A gateway to education: Developing literacy skills from an early age is proven to improve a child’s school readiness and academic success. With their own books at home, children are more likely to build vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence.
- A gateway to emotional development: Books help children explore their feelings, build empathy, and understand the world around them. For a child going through a tough time, a comforting bedtime story can be a powerful source of calm and connection.
- A gateway to future success: Having books at home is linked to better life outcomes, from higher self-esteem to increased chances of progressing in school and beyond.
And for the children we support, a book of their very own, one they can choose to keep and treasure, is often a first. That sense of ownership and pride is something many of us take for granted, but for these children, it can be transformational.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
When you donate to Books Forever, you’re not just giving a book, you’re sparking imagination, confidence, and opportunity. You’re telling a child: you matter, and your story matters too.
Whether you choose to:
- Donate new or gently used books.
- Fund a book bundle for a child.
- Volunteer your time at one of our book giveaway days.
You’re helping to create long-lasting change right here in our community.
"When we’re delivering Book Roadshows the atmosphere within the school on the day is amazing. By giving children, the opportunity to choose books themselves, which they then take home with them, well, this has a transformational effect.
As an avid reader myself, to witness first hand, the level of excitement, as children chatter with each other about their choice of books and to watch as children leave at the end of the school day, proudly carrying our red book bags over their shoulders, is a sight to behold. To enable children to have access to books within their home environment, is essential and to be able to help encourage a love of reading, is for me, a privilege."
Des - CEO Wood Street Mission
Nearing the Final Chapter, but the Story Continues
Books Forever is now nearing the end of this year’s campaign, but books are still very much needed for our Family Basics service. This vital project supports families all year round, providing essentials including clothing, bedding, toiletries, and of course, books.
So if you’ve been meaning to donate, now’s the perfect time. Every book still has the power to make a real difference in a child’s life.
Help Us Keep the Stories Going
We’re always looking for more supporters to join us. Every contribution helps us get more books into more children’s hands, and hearts.
Want to donate books? You can drop them off at our base or order directly through our Books Forever Wishlist.
Want to give a gift or volunteer? Learn how to get involved here: Books Forever Project
Together, we can make sure every child in Manchester and Salford grows up surrounded by stories, and empowered to write their own.
