London (CNN Business) Amazon has been revealed to be behind a mystery £250,000 ($310,000) donation to a charity that supports independent booksellers in the UK and Ireland.

The company made the donation after booksellers appealed for funds to help the industry through the coronavirus crisis. Many nonessential businesses, such as bookshops, have closed during the pandemic.

The crowd-fund was set up by individuals from the London Review Bookshop, Picador and Daunt Books to support The Book Trade Charity, which provides help to those who are working or have worked in the industry. The charity gives money to companies in the book selling, publishing, distribution and printing businesses.

It has racked up more than £68,000 ($84,000) in public donations. The Booksellers Association has pledged to donate £30,000 ($37,000) and publisher Penguin Random House has pledged £50,000 ($62,000).

On Friday, the charity received the surprise £250,000 ($310,000) boost.

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