The National Charity League San Tan Chapter, a mother-daughter volunteer nonprofit organization is hosting the MLK Jr. Light & Love Children’s Book Drive. A drop-off event on Jan. 15, 2024 at the Majestic Cinema Grill in Chandler. January 15th is also known as the MLK Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Members of the public are encouraged to drop off new or gently used children’s books (toddler through 6^th grade) between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. As part of the event, Gilbert-based Literally, a Bookshop – a children’s pop-up bookstore – will be set up in the lobby for guests to purchase new books for themselves or to donate. Additionally, local children’s book author Christine Tussing will be on hand from noon-3 p.m. to sign copies of her book, Detective Stan the Crayon Man and the Missing Birthday Cake.

“This event is an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy by addressing literacy and collecting books for children who do not have access to them,” said Lara Klinkner, president of the NCL San Tan Chapter. “Dr. King emphasized the importance of reading and the value of education, and we look forward to helping numerous local charities get books in the hands of kids who do not have a book of their own at home.”

All donated books will benefit local charities including Child Crisis Arizona, Chandler CARE Center, ICAN, ASA Now, Azcend and Friends of the Chandler Public Library.