Wake Up and Read seeks to collect 200,000 books for kids this month

Wake Up and Read, the local nonprofit that works to get books in the hands of all kids, is in the midst of its annual book drive. This year's goal is to collect 200,000 children's books by Feb. 28.

The group's mission is to raise awareness of the importance of childhood literacy and increase access to resources and opportunities for all kids. Wake Up and Read is comprised of a coalition of local groups and agencies, including Marbles Kids Museum, WakeEd Partnership, Wake County Public School System, Wake County Public Libraries and more.

The book drive, now in its eighth year, is a great opportunity to clear out your shelves of books that your kids are no longer reading. They'll be headed into great hands — kids who will love them and learn from them just like your children did.

Wake Up and Read has several ways to donate items. You can host your own book drive, donate cash and shop off an online wish list.

You also can drop off books at Wake Up and Read, 1820 Capital Blvd., Raleigh. It's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 5. The group also has drop off locations at businesses across Wake County.