If you believe in the power of books being in the homes of Kiwi children, there is a national charity that helps to give newly published titles to families whose children would otherwise go without at Christmas.

Founded in late 2019 by former television journalist-turned creative writer Sonya Wilson, Kiwi Christmas Books has grown into a nationwide charity, collecting thousands of new books each year from book-loving donors.

The registered charity is governed by a board of trustees including parents, teachers, creatives, writers and readers who have seen first-hand the many benefits that books and reading bring to young lives.

“We know that good books grow great kids, and we are passionate about making sure that all young Kiwis, no matter their background, have access to quality literature.”

The charity distributes donated books to families and children in need through a variety of partner charities nationwide, including Tauranga Community Foodbank, The Nest Collective, and The Salvation Army in the Bay of Plenty.

Kiwi Christmas Books accepts brand-new books at any time – just send or drop them at Kiwi Christmas Books, 51 Shackleton Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024.

People can also order books online from local bookstores and have them shipped to the address above.

“Baby books, picture books, chapter books, fiction, non-fiction – we love them all. And we love them even more when they are by a Kiwi writer or illustrator,” the Kiwi Christmas Books website says. Find out more at www.kiwichristmasbooks.org.nz.