"My Books for Children drive has been incredibly successful since it began in 2009. We have been able to distribute well over 20,000 books to kids over the last eight years, and we look forward to adding to that number this year," she said.
"It's a great way - if you are like me and have books stacking up as my kids get older - to reclaim part of your house at the same time children around the North Country are having their lives enriched with new books to read," she pointed out.
Assemblywoman Jenne is again partnering with Kinney Drugs for the program, and the books will be distributed by the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program and the Community Action Planning Council in Watertown.
"They have a good idea of the kids in need in our community, and these books are one extra thing that gets placed in their gift packages," she said.
Assemblywoman Jenne said she still recalls her own joy when she received books as Christmas gifts.
"I remember trying to get away from my brothers and sisters, find a quiet spot and go to the places that the books took me. I now get to share that enjoyment with my own kids when they get a book as a gift," she noted.
New and gently used books will be collected at Kinney Drugs locations in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties and will be redistributed to local families. The focus is on books for children up to 12 years of age.
Books can also be dropped off at the Canton Free Library as well as at Assemblywoman Jenne's office in Watertown at Suite 210, Dulles Office Building, 317 Washington St.
"We're very happy with the local partners we have. Kinney Drugs has been spectacular for us over the years. They have handled thousands of books for us, and I'm so grateful for the role they play each year in making this book drive such a huge success," Assemblywoman Jenne said.