COEUR d'ALENE - Linda Rohlinger believes that books can change lives.

Seven years ago, that belief inspired her to begin Kids Helping Kids, a Christmas fundraiser with the purpose of providing an age-appropriate book for every toy donated to Toys for Tots. According to Rohlinger, the event teaches children a valuable life lesson.

"The fundraiser teaches kids the importance of giving back to others that are less fortunate," Rohlinger said. "Parents appreciate this opportunity to bring kids to an event where it's not just about what they want for Christmas, and they get to think about what someone else wants under their tree."

For three hours on Thursday evening, parents brought their children to Hastings in Coeur d'Alene to pick out new books to purchase and donate to those in need.

One of those parents was Heidi Hickok, who brought her three children to the event.

"It's a good experience for my kids to learn how to give back to others," Hickok said. "Especially in the form of books."

"It's good because it's nice," added Avery, Hickok's 6-year old daughter.

The event has grown every year since it began and, according to Rohlinger, this year she hopes 200 books will be donated.

"Our initial goal was to give one age-appropriate book for every toy," Rohlinger said. "Now we are up to two to three books per toy."

After making their donation to the program, the children were invited to visit with Santa and have cookies and hot chocolate. Members of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department were also in attendance reading books.

"We do this every year," Robert Anderson, a firefighter who read "How Roland Rolls" to the children, said. "It's a community service and that's what we do."