Support the Giving Tree and bring festive joy to Norfolk Children in Care

In the lead up to Christmas, Norfolk County Council Children's Services and Waterstones have teamed up again to launch the 2023 Giving Tree appeal, a Christmas project aimed at bringing joy to the county's children in care. This is now the 17th year the appeal has run, becoming more successful and reaching more children every year. Last year's appeal saw more than 1000 books bought and delivered to children in care across Norfolk.

The tree, based at the Castle Street branch in Norwich, will be decorated with hundreds of tags which each represent a child and the book they would like to receive for Christmas. There are requests for books from more than 800 Norfolk children in care, with some specifying books or authors and others seeking a certain genre or type of book.

Purchases can also be made online or pop into the Waterstones Store on Castle Street pick up a tag from the Children's Department, purchase the book and the staff at Waterstones will make sure the book is gift wrapped and delivered in time for Christmas.

To support this initiative, please visit this branch anytime until Sunday 3rd December. Select a tag from the Giving Tree and buy the book. The books are then collected, wrapped and delivered for children in time for Christmas. They can make a difference to the county's most vulnerable children at what can be a difficult time of year.

Councillor Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "The Giving Tree is such a wonderful idea and gives children of all ages, who are less fortunate, the joy of reading. Norfolk County Council believes that every child deserves to experience the hope and excitement of Christmas morning by opening a special gift.

"I would like to thank our supporters who over the years have enabled hundreds of children to experience this special, festive moment."

Please note all books must be purchased by Sunday 3rd December so they reach children in time for Christmas!