Hebden Bridge publisher sending 10,000 backpacks to refugee children
Two publishers, including one from Hebden Bridge, are hoping to send 10,000 backpacks, filled with books and aid, to Ukrainian refugee children
A Hebden Bridge publisher is working alongside a Dorset publisher, with the aim to send 10,000 backpacks, filled with books, handwritten letters and food, to Ukrainian refugee children.
Kevin Duffy, of Bluemoose Books in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire and Gracie Cooper, of Little Toller Books in Beaminster, Dorset are leading the Packed with Hope initiative.
Each rucksack will contain books, food and letters from children in the UK.
They're planning to send the backpacks in six lorries to countries bordering Ukraine, by Easter.
They've partnered with Ukrainian and Polish publishers, and two Ukrainian authors who have donated 10,000 copies of their work in Ukraine and English.
Kevin Duffy said:
"This whole Packed with Hope started when two small children asked their mum what was going on and you can't lie to children saying nothings going on, because it's all over the news, so even though you don't want to fill them with fear, children want to do their part too.
"If we can and they can do something good, write a letter, paint a picture, donate a book, then it gives them a sense of hope.
"If someone of the children can be read a story at night, and hopefully go to sleep at night with a smile on their face, that's at least something."
They've also set up a Just Giving Page, which has so far, raised more than ÂŁ41,000 in just 7 days.
The money will be used to support the purchase, transportation and distribution of the rucksacks.
Any cash left over will be given to Ukrainian charities.