People socially isolating in Doncaster over Christmas to receive a special gift

Special literary gifts will be distributed to socially isolated individuals in Doncaster this Christmas.
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Doncaster’s Social Isolation Alliance has teamed up with Doncaster Creates and Re-Read to ensure that people who are isolated receive a special gift.

Books donated by Re-Read will be distributed by The Social Alliance, but currently they are on display as a festive sculpture in the town centre.

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Jim Mclaughlin, from Re-Read, said: “At this time of year we normally supply books for the Doncaster Council’s Story-time with Santa event, sadly due to the current restrictions this event had to go virtual.

The book tree is currently in CAST.The book tree is currently in CAST.
The book tree is currently in CAST.

“The subsequent give-away of these books enables us to reach more adults and children across the borough and help spread the joy of books.”

Artist Sacha Gray has created a fairy tale sculpture out of the 1,100 books in the window of CAST.

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She said: “I was very happy to create the tree with support from fellow artist Anton Hecht.”

Artist Sacha Gray putting the tree together.Artist Sacha Gray putting the tree together.
Artist Sacha Gray putting the tree together.

The tree is built from a wide range of largely fiction books for both adults and children. It will be dismantled and then distributed towards the end of the Christmas period.

Micheal Hart, chief executive of Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, said: “The Social Isolation and Loneliness Alliance is a collaboration of partners from the public, voluntary, community and faith sectors who are committed to reducing social isolation and loneliness in Doncaster.

“These books will mean so much to people and we’re looking forward to working with our community groups to distribute them.

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“Research shows that reading can significantly reduce the feelings of loneliness and help to alleviate social isolation.

“After what has been a tough year, we really hope that the recipients of these books will find comfort and enjoyment in being transported into another world whilst escaping the stresses and strains of everyday life.”

Doncaster Creates have been collaborating with the literary giant throughout the Autumn and Winter period of this year.

Find out more here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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