With the help of a dozen local businesses, the United Way collected about 2,400 books for Suffolk children last year.

Businesses such as Sara Lee, Duke Automotive and Ciba Corporation hosted a red wagon in their lobbies, collecting new and gently used books for needy children in Suffolk. The Suffolk News-Herald, however, holds the record for the Red Wagon Book Drive, with 932 books collected from our employees and the community to give to the United Way.

This year, we’re looking to beat our own record, with the community’s help.

“The Red Wagon Book Drive is a book donation project aimed to put more books in student’s hands that otherwise may not have that opportunity,” said Beth Cross, development manager for Western Tidewater United Way. “When we teach our children that reading is important, and anyone can do it, we ensure a stronger, more sustainable workforce for the future.”

The community is invited to donate new or gently used books, appropriate for any age group between infant and high school. Bring the books by the Suffolk News-Herald office at 130 S. Saratoga St. before the end of February. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The books will be given to a Title I program representative in a Suffolk school at the end of the month, so that the books will reach the children quickly.

If a business would like to sponsor the wagon for a month, contact Cross at 539-1498 ext. 148.