Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Kinney Drugs delivered thousands of children’s books to the Community Action Planning Council on December 12, 2011. The books were collected through Addie’s Books for Children (ABC), an initiative that began three years ago when Assemblywoman Russell set out to promote reading and to ensure that all children receive the gift of books. This year, the program was significantly expanded through a partnership with Kinney Drugs who featured drop boxes for books in Kinney Drug stores throughout Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties. A number of school groups also participated, with Assemblywoman Russell picking up books at Canton Middle School, Philadelphia Primary School and Indian River High School. Books collected in St. Lawrence County were made available to the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program and those collected in Jefferson County were made available to the Community Action Planning Council. Both agencies will distribute books to children from low-income families.
Pictured (from left): Rob LaMarche, Kinney Drugs; Jason Case, Kinney Drugs; Melinda Gault, CAPC executive director; Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell.