A Christmas tradition for many Langley families is at risk of being cancelled this year.
Due to a shortfall in funding, the Langley Literacy Association is asking the public for helping in raising money for their Wrap-a-Read program.
For the last 14 years, the program has provided a new book to every child aged infant to 18 years who is registered with the Langley Christmas Bureau.
“The program itself is really important because it not only gives a Christmas present to kids, it also brings books into homes,” said Kailey Erickson, literacy outreach co-ordinator with the Langley Literacy Association.
“It’s the kind of program where you can’t do any less. You can’t not give one kid a book. How do we decide who to exclude? So we have to be able to give a book to every child. That’s why we need to raise the additional funds, so that we do not turn anyone away.”
Every year the association needs to raise $10,000 to facilitate the program, which is run by volunteers. So far, they have $7,000 secured.
“Because it is such short notice, applying the traditional way through grants — we just don’t have that option. So that’s why we’re soliciting donations from the public,” Erickson said.
The association has partnered with the Fraser Valley Regional Library to receive a 40 per cent discount off the cover price of books, and therefore is requesting cash or cheque donations only.
Donations can be dropped off at the Langley Early Years Centre, 20766 80 Ave., weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. They can also be sent by mail to Langley Literacy Association, 20399 Douglas Cres. Langley, B.C. V3A 4B3.
For more info, visit www.langleyliteracynetwork.com.
miranda@langleytimes.com
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