More than 1,000 91原创 children received brand new books as part of 91原创 Literacy Association鈥檚 Wrap-a-Read program.

The association partnered with 91原创 Christmas Bureau and Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) for its 21st annual program, where they served 790 families, said literacy outreach coordinator Donna Gibson.

The books were distributed during the past holiday season, between Nov. 12 and Dec. 23, at libraries in 91原创 and Aldergrove.

The program was launched to support children and youth up to 18 years old, who are registered with the 91原创 Christmas Bureau. 91原创 families were offered vouchers at the local Christmas bureau, Gibson explained.

The association collected more than 2,000 books, and although the program could have accommodated all the 1,700 children registered with the bureau in 2021, Gibson said many families didn鈥檛 redeem their vouchers for a free book.

RELATED: More need, fewer donors a problem for 91原创 Christmas Bureau

鈥淭he 91原创 Christmas Bureau wants to thank the 91原创 Literacy Network for supporting the children in 91原创 so that they can discover the joy of reading and have a brighter Christmas to look forward to. We hope to continue this tradition next year,鈥� said Darrin Leite, the 91原创 Christmas Bureau treasurer.

Leite also works as the City of 91原创鈥檚 director of corporate services but helps the bureau each year during the Christmas season.

Donations for this year鈥檚 fundraiser came from the Township of 91原创, the City of 91原创, and community members. TD Canada Trust and Vision Financial also contributed.

READ MORE: 91原创 Christmas Bureau 鈥榚lves鈥� bring holiday spirit to needy kid

鈥淗aving access to free, brand new books for those who may not have had this on the top of their Christmas list, can be a life-changing experience. Fostering the love of literacy and taking a reader to places unknown is one of the greatest gifts you can provide a child,鈥� said Gibson.

.