As a parent, you know just how quickly textbooks and study materials pile up at home. What if those forgotten stacks of books could spark learning journeys for other kids? FairPrice Group’s Share-A-Textbook initiative is back for its 2024 edition, and it’s your chance to make a real difference.
Spanning two weeks from November 16 to November 30, this meaningful campaign is designed to reduce waste, share resources, and support families across Singapore.
So, grab those gently used books and get ready to transform clutter into kindness. Let’s explore how you can get involved in this fantastic initiative.
What is Share-A-Textbook All About?
Source: The Straits Times
The Share-A-Textbook initiative isn’t just about recycling old books; it’s a community movement that brings people together for a good cause. Launched in 1983, this annual drive has grown into a cherished tradition, with over 7 million textbooks donated to date. More than 280,000 students have benefitted from these contributions, receiving pre-loved textbooks and study materials that ease their families’ financial burdens.
And let’s not forget the environmental impact! By giving these books a second life, you’re also helping reduce waste and promoting sustainability.
Source: Facebook/NTUC FairPrice
This year, FairPrice Group aims to keep the momentum going, inviting parents like you to play a part in this heartfelt mission.
How Can You Donate to Share-A-Textbook?
Got old textbooks gathering dust? It’s time to put them to good use. Simply drop them off at one of the 11 collection points across Singapore. These include FairPrice Xtra hypermarkets, the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (Yishun), and Vidacity (Pasir Ris).
Here’s How to Get Started:
- Check Your Shelves. Gather textbooks, assessment books, or revision guides that are in good condition and align with the MOE syllabus.
- Find a Collection Point. Head to a participating location near you, such as FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity or Jurong Point.
- Drop Off Your Books. Place your donations in the collection boxes or hand them to the staff at the information counter.
For this year’s Share-A-Textbook initiative, donating is easier than ever with 11 convenient collection points across Singapore.
You can drop off your pre-loved books at nine FairPrice Xtra hypermarkets, including 24-hour outlets at AMK Hub, Jurong Point, and NEX. Other locations, like JEM, Hougang 1, Parkway Parade, Changi Business Park, VivoCity, and the Singapore Sports Hub, offer extended hours for busy parents.
Additionally, contributions can be made at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre in Yishun, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, or Vidacity in Pasir Ris, operating from 7 am to 11 pm. With so many options, finding a spot near you is a breeze!
Every book counts! Your small effort can make a world of difference for another family.
Volunteer with Share-A-Textbook
Donating isn’t the only way to contribute. FairPrice Group is calling on parents, students, and corporations to join as volunteers. With over 2,000 volunteers expected, this year’s initiative offers plenty of opportunities to roll up your sleeves and get involved.
From November 27 to December 6, volunteers will help sort and organize the donated materials. Then, during the distribution drive on December 7 and 8, you can assist families as they pick out the books they need.
This is a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids about giving back, too. Why not make it a family activity and show them the power of community spirit?
Distribution Drive Details
If your family could benefit from free textbooks, you’re in luck! The Share-A-Textbook distribution drive will take place at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre (Yishun) from 9 AM to 7 PM on December 7 and 8.
No registration is needed—just turn up, browse through the generously donated books, and take what you need. FairPrice Group has even ensured any leftover donations are recycled sustainably, so nothing goes to waste.
Why Share-A-Textbook Matters More Than Ever
With textbook prices rising by 7% in 2023, second-hand materials are becoming increasingly valuable to families. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 7 in 10 Singaporean parents are considering pre-loved textbooks to cut costs.
Beyond saving money, initiatives like Share-A-Textbook foster a culture of sharing and compassion. They remind us that education is a collective effort—and that every child deserves the tools to succeed.
3 Easy Ways to Get Involved
1. Donate Your Textbooks
Got old books lying around? From November 16 to November 30, give them a second life by donating pre-loved textbooks and study materials at any of the 11 designated collection points across Singapore. Whether it’s clearing space on your shelves or making a meaningful contribution to the community, every book you give helps a student in need. Just ensure your donations are in good condition and align with the MOE syllabus.
2. Volunteer Your Time
Want to make an even bigger impact? Sign up as a volunteer and join the effort to sort and distribute books for the Share-A-Textbook initiative. Volunteers are needed between November 27 and December 6 to help organise donations or during the distribution drive on December 7 and 8. Whether you’re a student, a working parent, or part of a corporate group, your time and energy can create lasting change for families in Singapore.
3. Collect What You Need
Looking for study materials for your kids? Head to the Share-A-Textbook distribution drive at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre in Yishun on December 7 and 8. From 9am to 7pm, browse a wide selection of free textbooks, assessment guides, and revision papers donated by the community. It’s a great way to save on expenses while teaching your children about sustainability and the value of sharing.
Join the Movement Today
The Share-A-Textbook initiative isn’t just a campaign—it’s a lifeline for families who need it most. Whether you’re donating books, volunteering, or collecting study materials, your participation makes a difference.
Let’s show our kids what it means to care for our community. Start by clearing your shelves, gathering those textbooks, and heading to your nearest drop-off point. Together, we can turn unused books into meaningful opportunities for learning and growth.
What are you waiting for? Visit the FairPrice Group Share-A-Textbook website for more details. Your small act of kindness could mean the world to someone else.
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