She said 3,257 books were collected during last year's book drive. The annual book drives have donated more than 20,000 books to North Country children over the past seven years.
Assemblywoman Russell, the mother of two elementary-age children, said she recognizes the importance of promoting literacy due to its impact on childhood development.
"Reading can transport children to distant and exciting places. Books can unlock a child's imagination and provide hours of enjoyment," she said.
“Giving the gift of a book is the gift of joy and excitement that can go anywhere and be enjoyed at anytime," Assemblywoman Russell added.
She is again partnering with Kinney Drugs for the holiday book drive, and the books will be distributed by the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program in St. Lawrence County and the Community Action Planning Council in Watertown.
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.
Books can also be dropped off at the Angel Trees at the Salmon Run Mall and the Dulles Office Building as well as at Assemblywoman Russell's offices in Canton at Suite 1, 3 Remington Ave., off Route 11, and Watertown at Suite 210 Dulles Office Building, 317 Washington St.
The books will be collected on Dec. 18.
Books collected in Jefferson County will make their way to Community Action Planning Council where they will be sorted and shared with partner agencies Salvation Army, Watertown Urban Mission and the Rhode Center.
“We are grateful for the continued support of Assemblywoman Russell, Kinney Drugs and the community in promoting literacy,” according to Dawn M. Cole, deputy director for Community Action Planning Council.
“This initiative is a wonderful complement to our holiday programs, ensuring that families enjoy the gift of reading this Christmas,” she said.
St. Lawrence County Community Development Program Executive Director Norma S. Carey said books collected in St. Lawrence County will be distributed at neighborhood centers and to families of children enrolled in Head Start programs in the county.
"It is a positive thing anytime you are able to put a book in a child's hands. This program helps provide parents with resources so they can read to and with their children, and we know that helps with language development skills," she pointed out.
IN THE PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell reads a story to kindergarten students in teacher Amanda Taraska's classroom during a visit this fall to Nightengale Elementary School in Massena.