Girl Scouts collecting books for needy kids

Rancho Bernardo Junior Girl Scouts are collecting new and gently-used children’s books so they can create a library for a low-income preschool in Escondido.

Troop 8907 is accepting book, monetary and other donations through March 31 to help children at Hickory Head Start Preschool. They will also be spending proceeds from their troop’s Girl Scout cookie sale — that is going on now — for items such as bookshelves and an area rug for the library.

“When you are in preschool, it is likely your first time away from home and it is scary, so we would like to make the library as inviting and comfy as possible for these little kids,” said Junior Maddie Engblom.

“As someone who loves reading, I know how fun it is to get new books, so I love that this library will help preschoolers have a chance to choose from a large selection of books,” said Junior Lauren Crane.

According to Maddie, the troop selected this topic as its Bronze Award project because of the members’ love of reading and desire to promote literacy in the community. She said not having enough access to books at an early age is the most common cause of illiteracy, so the Hickory library is their way of helping to remedy that.

To donate books, money or other items, contact troop leader Kristen Crane at 858-200-6527 or gs8907@gmail.com. Books can also be placed in collection boxes at Turtleback Elementary, 15855 Turtleback Road in Rancho Bernardo, and Canyon View Elementary, 9225 Adolphia Street in Rancho Penasquitos.