Our Book Packers
How You Can Get Involved with the UK Book Packers Programme
The UK Book Packers Programme depends on volunteers to ensure every donated book and item reaches those who need it most. By joining us, you can make a real difference in your community and support children and young people in the UK and Kenya.
There are many ways to get involved, from collecting and promoting books to packing, sorting, and helping on loading days. Whether you have a few hours or can commit to a full project, every contribution helps spread knowledge, support education, and create lasting impact.
Book Packers: How It Works
Spread the Word & Ask for Books – Help Us Reach More Donors
We need books—any books, from everyone! You can help by spreading the word to your family, friends, schools, colleges, local charity shops, employers, and colleagues. The more people know we exist, the more books we can collect and get into the hands of those who need them.
Volunteer to Collect Books – Be Our Local Hero
Now that people know we exist, can you help collect books and other items for us? Apart from books, we also need toys, games, and more—see our full list for details. As a small charity with big ambitions but a limited budget, we can’t be everywhere—so we rely on volunteers like you to gather donations in your community. Every item you collect brings us closer to reaching more people in need.
Drop Off Books & Items – UK Storage Facility
You’ve persuaded people to donate and even collected the books and items—thank you! Now, please deliver them to our storage facility at Dollimore & Christie, SG4 7JY. For full instructions, visit our UK drop-off page to make the process easy and smooth.
Sort, Pack & Prepare Books – Join the Book Packers Team
Perhaps the most enjoyable part of being a Book Packer! We sort, select, categorise, count, box, and store over 150,000 books each year. Your hard work has brought the donations this far—now you can help ensure they make it all the way to Kenya. Book packing usually happens on Wednesdays and the first Saturday of each month, but if you’re a group or corporate volunteer, we’re flexible and can work around your schedule.
Load & Ship Books – Help Send Knowledge Across the Oceans
The final and fastest step is loading the shipping container and sending it on its journey across the oceans. While we don’t always need extra hands, this is a fun, rewarding, and team-building activity. Keep an eye on our announcements and calls for help to join in when we do.
Books Delivered to Kenya – See the Impact of Your Volunteering
The books you collect and help ship will eventually reach Kenya, enriching the lives of countless children and communities. Follow us on social media and join our newsletter to see how your hard work makes a real difference.
Join Our Book Packers
In Focus: Changing Lives
UK Book Packers: Sending Knowledge, Sparking Dreams
Watch this beautiful animated video by iBusiness Consultant Hertfordshire, illustrating how a single book makes a real difference in a child’s life in Kenya.