Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP, was joined by Kate O’Mealley, President of the Illawarra & South Coast sub-branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), and local children’s author, Jody Cauduro, author of While Mandy Waited, who are throwing their support behind the Kids Book Drive.

“The Illawarra and South Coast CBCA are very supportive of the book drive and any programs which encourage reading and literacy for children.

“We’re supporting the book drive this year with donations from publishers and the support of local children’s authors as well, and we’re asking everyone else to do the same to help increase local children’s literacy levels”, Ms O’Mealley said.

In its third year, Mr Scully hoped that despite the challenges that this year has presented that people will continue to donate.

“It’s fantastic to have the support of the local branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, and great to see local authors getting behind the book drive as well.

“We can make the book drive bigger and better this year”, Mr Scully said.

Paul Scully’s Kids Book Drive provides donated books to students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 to encourage kids to keep reading and help support children maintain their literacy skills over the summer holidays

“We’ve had a great response already to the book drive this year.”

“Last year more than 1000 books were collected and donated to students at five local schools, but this year we’re aiming for even more”, Mr Scully said.

Books can be donated until 11 December 2020 at Mr Scully’s office at G2 51 Crown Street, Wollongong, or his office can be contacted to make other arrangements.