Children and families in need across Manningham and Whitehorse received new books and puppets as gifts for Christmas, after the recent Give the Gift of Reading campaign by Whitehorse Manningham Libraries raised more than $5,000 for the cause.

After the fundraising effort late last year, 225 reading packs in brightly coloured bags were prepared and gifted to local families in need or experiencing disadvantage across both communities. The reading packs contained books, puppets and resources selected by experts in early literacy development.

Give the Gift of Reading was initiated by Whitehorse Manningham Libraries in 2018 and is delivered in partnership with Eastern Domestic Violence Outreach Service and Whitehorse and Manningham Maternal Child Health Services.

The program recognises that literacy is key to better life-long outcomes. As an outreach program it actively supports the development of language, literacy and a love of reading from an early age.

For more information about Give the Gift of Reading or to donate visit Whitehouse Manningham Libraries online.