As the festive season approaches, there is something warm and wonderful happening at Polhill Garden Centre. For several years we have proudly hosted two Acorn Book Club donation points in store. This Christmas it feels more important than ever, because those donation boxes carry more than books. They carry hope, imagination, and a little extra magic for children who need it most.
What Are the Acorn Book Club Donation Points?
You will find two donation points in convenient spots across the store where customers can drop off pre-loved children’s books. Over time these small contributions add up to something remarkable. They help refresh school libraries, encourage eager young readers, and give much-loved stories a second life.
Polhill introduced the donation points a few years ago and they have become a trusted part of our community work. Every year in the run-up to Christmas the generosity of visitors grows, and those boxes begin to overflow. It is a sight that makes us smile every December.
A Short History of Acorn Book Club
The donation points at Polhill partner with the Acorn Book Club (often known as ABC). This charity is based in London and Kent, and its mission is simple: to get books into the hands of children who need them.
- ABC is a registered UK charity (1184137).
- The organisation relies heavily on book donations from the public to restock school libraries and provide reading material for children who may not otherwise have access.
- It operates across South East London and Kent, with drop-off locations in schools, businesses, and community spaces.
- The focus is on books suitable for children aged roughly five to eleven. These are the ages where reading habits are formed and literacy has the biggest impact.
- The charity measures success not just in numbers of books collected but in the impact of renewed libraries and the smiles of children discovering reading for the first time.
ABC Book Club has already given thousands of books a second life. By linking up with Polhill, we make it easy for our customers to be part of that story.
Why It Matters at Christmas
Christmas is a season for giving, sharing and gratitude. Yet the reality is that not every child has the chance to open a book on Christmas morning. That is where community initiatives like this come into their own.
At Christmas families often clear out toys and books to make space for new ones. Instead of letting gently used books gather dust, dropping them into the Acorn Book Club donation points ensures they go somewhere meaningful. A single book can spark curiosity, open a door to imagination, and help a child build confidence in reading.
The festive season can sometimes put extra strain on households. Donations of books are a way for the wider community to lighten that load and spread joy at the same time. For a child who has never had their own book, that gift can mean the world.
How You Can Help
Getting involved is simple.
- Drop off gently used children’s books at one of the two donation points in store.
- Tell friends and neighbours. Many families have books lying around that could be passed on.
- Spread the word online. A quick share on social media can remind others to donate.
- Check the condition. Books should be nearly new, clean and intact. Torn or damaged books cannot be reused.
Our team will make sure the boxes are emptied regularly, especially as December gets busier, so every donation reaches the charity in good time.
Where Do the Books Go?
Once collected, the books are passed to Acorn Book Club for sorting. From there, they find their way into schools, classrooms and community organisations across Kent and South East London. In many cases, the books help restock libraries or set up new reading corners. Every book becomes part of a child’s learning journey.
It is a simple system with a big impact. The book your child once loved could become the book that sparks another child’s lifelong love of reading.
Stories That Inspire
Over the years we have seen all kinds of books placed into the donation boxes. Picture books with colourful illustrations, early readers with simple stories and chapter books that stretch a child’s imagination. Some arrive pristine, others show signs of being well loved. Each one has value because each one carries the potential to inspire a new reader.
One of the most touching parts of this initiative is when parents bring in books their children have outgrown, often telling us about the memories tied to them. Some even leave small notes inside for the next child. These stories remind us why the donation points matter so much.
Social Responsibility at Polhill
As a family run business since 1964, Polhill has always believed in being more than just a place to shop. Supporting community initiatives like the Acorn Book Club is part of our wider social responsibility. Just as we nurture plants and gardens, we also want to nurture opportunities for people in our community.
The book donation points are one example of that commitment. They provide an easy, practical way for customers to make a difference. Together, those small acts create something much bigger. See more of our social responsibility scheme here.
Looking Ahead
We intend to keep these donation points going well beyond the festive season. Literacy is important all year round, but there is something special about giving books at Christmas. We hope that this year our community will once again show its generosity and help fill the boxes to the brim.
Every book matters. Every donation helps. And every child who receives a book is given more than pages and pictures. They are given the chance to imagine, to learn and to dream.
As Christmas draws near, we invite you to join us in making the Acorn Book Club donation points a success once again. Bring along a book, tell a friend and help us share the gift of reading with children who need it most.
Together, we can make this festive season brighter, one story at a time.
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Oct 19 2024