Greater Shepparton City Council’s Annual Best Start Book Drive has been a success, with council doubling its results from 2021.
There were 1000 good-quality children’s books donated during the collection period from August 24 to September 2, which coincided with Book Week.
Best Start is a state government early intervention initiative that aims to improve the health, development, learning and wellbeing of all Victorian children from birth through to transition to school.
This is an important program, as it improves language and literacy skill development, and is a particular focus as reading promotes brain development, imagination, language and emotional development.
Books that were donated by the community will be used in playgroups in Greater Shepparton and will be put in waiting rooms at immunisation clinics and maternal and child health centres, and used for the School Community Libraries program.
Donations from the community of any unwanted, good-quality children’s books are accepted throughout the year; if you have any donations, please email belinda.schmedje@shepparton.vic.gov.au