According to Assistant Executive Director Nancy Hadley, about 5,000 books were collected and distributed. This year's goal is 6,000.

"It is truly a community effort and greatly enhances the lunch program," she said. "Kids love getting a book of their own to take home."

Books may be placed in barrels at Roth's Salem-area stores and their stores in Independence and Silverton from February 18 until March 7. Books may also be dropped off at the Marion-Polk Food Share office at 1660 Salem Industrial Drive NE.

This year there will be 33 lunch sites in Marion and Polk counties. A complete list of sites is posted on the Food Share Web site at marionpolkfoodshare.org. If you have questions, please contact book coordinator, Ed Olson, at (503) 585-5195 or Marion-Polk Food Share at (503) 581-3855

Marion Polk Food Share is one of 20 regional food banks in the Oregon Food Bank Network. Founded in 1987, Food Share is "leading the fight to end hunger" in Marion and Polk counties through a network of 79 member charities. For more information about Marion-Polk Food Share programs and how you can help, please call (503) 581-3855 or visit the Web site at marionpolkfoodshare.org.