“We want to say a huge thank you to our local community, who have been very generous in donating lots of books to us following their lockdown clear-outs” – bumper collection will generate vital funds for EACH

Kind-hearted students are basking in ‘story’ after donating a bumper haul of books to charity. The giant collection, ranging from children’s classics to fiction and academic textbooks, has been handed to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by The Thetford Academy. They will be distributed throughout the charity’s 46 shops. The Thetford Academy has previously supported EACH but this is its first donation since before the Covid pandemic. “Our students and staff are always keen to support local charities,” said School Librarian Jacqueline Browne. “We’re therefore very proud to be able to donate our ‘pre-loved’ books to a charity that does so much work for local children who need care and support during difficult times. “We want to say a huge thank you to our local community, who have been very generous in donating lots of books to us following their lockdown clear outs. “EACH is such a worthwhile cause and we’re delighted to help generate income for a charity that specifically supports the children, young people, and families of our region – something we feel immensely passionate about ourselves.” In addition to its donation of around 500 books, the school also held a book sale and raised just over £30 for EACH. Stephen Ball, EACH’s Warehouse Operations and Supply Chain Manager, said: “Our sincere thanks go to The Thetford Academy. “It’s a very generous donation and these books will now be distributed throughout our shops, as and when required and requested. “They will generate vital income to help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. EACH Retail Central Support Administrator Jo Wilding and volunteer Dorothy King are pictured with the books at the charity’s Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. Image credits EACH