Members of the Book Club at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy are hosting a drive for children’s books that will not only ensure that underprivileged kids receive the gift of a new book for Christmas, but also will teach children about giving back to their community.

The club has partnered with the non-profit group Milk & Bookies, which supports lit-

eracy and service learning, to host the drive on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Family Bookstore at 1519 Fremont Ave. in South Pasadena.

“The idea is for parents to bring their children to the bookstore, enjoy some milk and cookies, and then purchase a new book and donate it to the drive,” explained Erin Maloney, FSHA librar

ian. “Each child will sign his or her name on a nameplate as the giver of the book; later, the recipient’s name will be added.”

For the last five years, Milk & Bookies has been holding similar events hosted by adult groups. The FSHA drive is the organization’s first pilot program to involve high school students in creating junior philanthropists.

Club members, who will be posting flyers about the drive, are excited to share their favorite books from their childhoods.

“I’m going to donate ‘The Philharmonic Gets Dressed’ by Karla Kuskin,” said club president Annie Kean.

“I’m planning on giving ‘Eloise’ by Kay Thompson,” said club secretary Bonnie Ong.

The books will be donated to the students at Santa Teresita, an inner-city elementary school.

Contributed by

Karen Thompson