A LISKEARD mum has started an appeal to have books enclosed free with food parcels from her local Foodbank.

Kelly Nokes, who is an Usborne Books at Home organiser, is asking businesses and individuals to consider joining a community book pledge during the month of February, with all books to be donated to the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank.

If donations reach £600, Usborne will give a further £400 worth of books to the cause. Kelly will also be donating her commission to the appeal.

“The £600 goal is aiming for the stars, but why not!” said Kelly, who has so far raised £70 in pledges.

“If we can end up with £1,000 of books donated to the community, by the community, it will be a fabulous gesture.”

However much is pledged through the appeal this month will see this value in books delivered out to local families. Kelly says that, with World Book Day coming up, she wants to take the pressure off teachers and parents, and provide for youngsters whose parents may not be able to stretch to new books at the moment.

“With home schooling and lockdown being tough on children and parents alike, what better way of encouraging reading, writing and creativity rather than sitting at a screen all day,” she said.

“Books are often forgotten as a valuable medium in today’s busy, technological world, but with people’s help I can help the children get hold of these books that their families may not be able to otherwise afford.”

To find out more and donate to the book pledge, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/darciesreadingden