The Evergreen Chapter of National Charity League is kicking off its first big book drive to benefit Childhaven. The group will be placing collection boxes at Island Books, the Mercer Island Library, neighborhood schools and businesses, and other community locations beginning Feb. 1. Books will be collected throughout the month. The mother and daughter members are asking people to help out by purchasing a new book, age-appropriate for a young child up to five years of age. Island Books is supporting the drive and is offering a discount for books purchased and donated at the store. The National Charity League is made up of mothers and daughters, grades 7 through 12, committed to community service, leadership, development and cultural education. There are two chapters on Mercer Island, and a new one is forming on the Eastside. The two chapters serve many different nonprofit philanthropies in the greater Seattle area. In addition to Childhaven, other groups served include the Humane Society, Hammond House (a homeless women’s shelter), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Treehouse and Alzheimer’s Association, to name just a few. The book drive celebrates Childhaven’s 100th anniversary.

The Lake Washington Chapter of National Charity League, also here on Mercer Island, is conducting a drive for household goods for Childhaven families at the same time. Look for their boxes at Rite Aid and Albertsons.

Childhaven is a King County organization serving children ages one month through five years who are at risk or who have suffered abuse and neglect. For more information on the book drive or National Charity League, please contact Kendall Taylor, Evergreen Chapter president, or log onto www.ncl.evergreen.org.