Kids invited to book drive activities

COEUR d'ALENE - Children are invited to help underprivileged kids by attending the Kids Helping Kids Book Drive from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Hastings in Coeur d'Alene.

Participants can either bring in new books or purchase books at the store.

All of the books collected will be given to local children in need.

Santa will be at the drive for parents to take photos. Coeur d'Alene firefighters will read to kids. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.

"This is a fun event for kids, and Hastings is thrilled to host a program that will help children learn how to support kids who are less fortunate," said Jason Blodgett, Hastings manager.

All books collected for Books For Tots are given to Toys for Tots and distributed with toys to children in need. The goal is to collect 8,000 books for children as old as 12.

"Nothing touches my heart more than watching children pick out books to donate to another child," said Linda Rohlinger, a Coeur d'Alene resident who founded Books for Tots. "Reading is the foundation of the future for every kid in this community and we are proud to be a part of building it."

For more information, contact Rohlinger at [email protected].