East Valley Assistance League gathering children’s books

The Assistance League of East Valley conducted a children’s book drive in the days leading up to Make a Difference Day on October 25. New or gently used books for children and pre-teens were needed.

The books will be given to local Head Start programs, the Children’s First Academy for homeless children and elementary schools that have a high percentage of children on the free lunch program. Many of these students do not have the experience of receiving a brand new book to take home and call their own.

Book collection boxes are at the Assistance League Thrift Shop, 1950 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, on the southwest corner of Warner and Arizona Ave. Store hours are 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10:00 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Donation boxes for books also are at Curves, 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix and at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Place, Chandler.

Proceeds from the shop allow the all-volunteer organization to provide new school clothing for more than 6,000 needy children each year and clothing and hygiene items for more than 3,000 victims of violence. Members also give birthday parties for seniors attending the Tempe Adult Day Health Services, and they provide funding for supplemental materials in the Chandler School District and scholarships for five students attending Arizona institutions of higher learning.

The thrift shop also needs donations of clothing, toys and household items in good condition, small appliances in working order and small pieces of furniture.

The book drive was being conducted in connection with the National Assistance League’s participation in Make a Difference Day, which is sponsored by Newman’s Own foundation, Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Light Foundation.

For more information go to www.assistanceleagueeastvalley.org or call the thrift shop at 480-792-1600.