Read Manchester has been working with a growing number of local charities over the past few years, gifting books and literacy-related resources to those families most in need.
One of our partners is Emmeline’s Pantry which is led by a dedicated group of women and supporters who started out in a hallway, providing clothes to women. Now, over twelve years on they provide food, clothes, toiletries and baby items to women in need and their families. Emmeline’s Pantry is a women-only foodbank.
They are passionate about people making their own choices. They offer the Read Manchester books and resource donations out as a choice to their families who then have the option to select whatever they would like. This empowers and encourages their families and helps to develop a sense of who they are and the things they like. Choice when reading can make a huge difference – the pleasure in the reading is that you choose to do it and read something that you find interesting and appealing to you.
Laura, one of their volunteers says:
“We wanted to say a massive thankyou for all your support throughout the past year. The books, posters and activity packs have been a huge hit with our families.”
One of their service users says:
“Thankyou so much for the activity packs I picked up this week, I’ve got four children to keep entertained during the holidays and especially as the weather hasn’t been too good this has been quite difficult. Having the packs and new books each meant they’ve all had their own things to keep them busy and be as imaginative as they like. My elder 2 love to read so having the choice of new books that they get to keep too has been lovely. We aren’t in a position to buy the latest books out so being able to get them at Emmeline’s has meant their love for books can be really encouraged.”
Laura further comments:
“Having the Read Manchester donations really made a difference to our families. Having a choice of new books and craft activities available was something we were really proud to be a part of. The amazing selections of books we got meant the children were able to choose the books they love to read and also books that are the latest releases. Being able to own your own book is empowering for our families and really helps to encourage a love of books. Having the craft activities meant the children were occupied over the holidays and breaks from school meaning our families had something to do to keep busy and entertained. So thank you again for all your support.
Read Manchester has gifted 102,000 books in the last twelve months. Emmeline’s Pantry has benefitted from the following donations in July and December 2022 and February and September in 2023:
793 books
145 magazines
120 Summer Reading Challenge packs
236 literacy related activity ideas and posters
And of course, we’re supporting their families again with books and resources this Christmas.