Books4Outback recently visited seven local rural schools to gift each child their own book.
Books4Outback started in 2016 and is a small, self-funded charity based in Newcastle with less than 10 volunteers.
The charity was established with the aim of enriching the lives of children in regional and more isolated communities in NSW.
Neil Griffith from Books4Outback recently visited local schools in Trundle, Tullamore and Tottenham.
"We mainly achieve our aim via the distribution of books, in an effort to maintain and even improve literacy standards," Mr Griffith said.
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"This came about after a realisation that in these communities many homes don't have books in them."
Books4Outback visited Trundle Children's Centre, Trundle Central School, St Patrick's Parish School Trundle, Tullamore Central School, Tullamore Preschool and Childcare Centre, Tottenham Central School and Tottenham War Memorial Early Childhood Centre.
"This was our second trip to these towns, having previously visited the schools in 2018.
"This was our most recent trip and was only relatively small, as on longer trips we may visit up to 15-20 schools and/or preschools, travelling more than 2000km over four to five days."
To date, the charity estimates that they have delivered well over 80,000 books to children in rural areas.
"As well as books we have also made donations of stationary supplies, toys, puzzles, games, art supplies, backpacks and clothing."
They have also visited around 250 different schools (mainly primary and central schools) and over 60 different preschools with some being the recipients of multiple visits.
Books4Outback conduct many trips throughout the year depending on volunteer availability as all volunteers making deliveries pay for all associated costs such as accommodation and fuel themselves.
The charity has arranged special trips following natural disasters and has assisted The Backpack Venture to provide backpacks after the Lismore floods.
Books4Outback accept donations of new and used books from schools and service organisations, local organisations and individuals.
"Donations are generally from the local area, due to logistical issues associated with the transfer of books to Newcastle from further away and Acrobat Removals have provided warehouse space at no cost to us since we started," Neil added.
To keep up to date with Books4Outback's trips visit their facebook page as they update their page after each generous trip.
