A BASINGSTOKE woman is raising money to provide books to young children this Christmas.

Rebecca Parsons is raising the money as part of a community book pledge, which allows community projects to fundraise money to receive books from publisher Usborne Books.

Rebecca, who works as an independent partner for Usborne Books, said that she had been looking for an opportunity to run a community book pledge to get books for children in Basingstoke.

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She said: “With the current situation that we are finding ourselves in, there are unfortunately children this year who are going to go without.

“And that is basically where the Wote Street Club come in.”

Finding out that the club is holding a Christmas party, Rebecca approached the Wote Street Club about working together to provide books to the children of Basingstoke.

The books that are purchased via Rebecca’s fundraiser will be distributed to attendees at the party, which will take place at club’s home on Seal Road on December 18. The fundraiser has a goal of £500.

Rebecca, of Parsons Books, said it would be “fantastic” if the fundraiser could reach or exceed its target, as this would allow her to secure more books, with any excess books going to help other charities.

Rebecca also wanted to thank those who have already donated, saying: “All I can say for everything that has been done so far is a massive thank you.

“The community book pledge is just one way that those children who do miss out can be included.

“And that’s what the donations mean and anyone who has donated whether it was a £1, whether it was £20, they should be so proud of themselves."

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Rebecca has secured a special offer of two board books, which are Christmas-themed, for £7, adding: "So even £7 donations are massive, because two children, for that £7, can have a book.”

The fundraiser will come to an end at the beginning of December.

Additionally, Rebecca is auctioning off a signed copy of Operation Nativity by Jenny Pearson, with the proceeds going to the fundraiser.

Those who wish to donate to the fundraiser should visit Rebecca’s donation page on Facebook: facebook.com/donate/1823986201286589.