Give a Book This Christmas: Because Every Child Needs Wings

"Give a book this Christmas," urges the Universal Reading Foundation (URF), as it launches its annual holiday fundraiser to provide books for children and level the playing field through reading.

The Universal Reading Foundation has kicked off its holiday fundraising campaign, "Give a Book" (#PodarujKsiążkę)..
The goal is to provide children in need with books of their own, helping them discover the joy of reading and improving their life chances. The funds raised will be dedicated to delivering books to where they are needed most and implementing programs that support literacy skills and promote reading among the youngest. "Every child needs wings" is the slogan of this year's campaign, highlighting the profound importance of early contact with books in helping every human being reach their full potential. Reading is vital for supporting a child’s development from their very first years. Unfortunately, exclusion from "book culture" is often intergenerational—children who do not see adults reading at home are less likely to develop a natural need for reading themselves.

30% of Polish Homes Have No Books

According to data cited in the campaign materials, as many as 30% of Poles do not have a single book at home. A lack of books means no natural contact with reading, fewer opportunities for a child’s linguistic, cognitive, and emotional development, and a higher risk of social and literary exclusion. In families facing financial hardship, where basic needs are the priority, books—though essential—often fall to the bottom of the list.

This year, nearly 1,200 children from several Social Welfare Centers in the Masovian, Lower Silesian, and Warmian-Masurian voivodeships are waiting for books. The campaign aims to provide titles tailored to the readers' ages and interests, ensuring that reading becomes a source of pleasure and fun. For the second year in a row, books will also reach children supported by the Social Welfare Center in Kłodzko. The campaign is organized in cooperation with the "Give a Star" (Podaruj Gwiazdkę) initiative, reaching families most in need of support.

Why is Owning a Book So Important?

The Foundation emphasizes that owning a book can be life-changing for a child. Regular reading brings measurable benefits: • Vocabulary: Toddlers who are read to every day know 100% more words. • Stress Reduction: Just 6 minutes of reading can lower stress levels by 68%. • Academic Success: Reading for 20 minutes a day translates to hearing 1.8 million words per year, directly impacting school performance and future success.

"The correlation between having books at home and better academic results is clear, but one fact is truly surprising: having a home library from childhood provides higher competencies than a university degree alone. This shows the real power of books to level the playing field and bridge socio-economic gaps. We often say a book is always a good gift because it helps build home libraries. Let’s remember those who simply cannot afford such a gift. Especially before Christmas—a beautiful new book can bring a huge smile to a child's face," says Maria Deskur, President of the Universal Reading Foundation.

According to research, in addition to preventing social exclusion, equalizing opportunities, and supporting development, books also help build relationships, develop social skills, and cope with difficulties and stress.

Who is Joining the Cause?

The #GiveABook campaign is supported by Anna Jankowska, a pedagogue and creator of the popular "Active Reading" (Aktywne Czytanie) project.

"For years, I have been showcasing great books and inviting parents to read. My dream is for all children—who, without exception, deserve the chance to spread their wings—to have access to books. That is why I wholeheartedly encourage you to support this campaign. Give a book this Christmas—it truly means a lot, because it can change a life," says Anna Jankowska. - says Anna Jankowska.

How Can You Help?

The Foundation invites donations that will be used to purchase new, high-quality books and fund projects preventing social exclusion. Every contribution allows us to give a child something more than just a gift—a chance for growth, imagination, and the joy of reading.