Statewide César Chávez Book Drive is underway

The seventh annual César E. Chávez Children's Book Drive will continue through May 5.

Children from across the state will receive books collected during the campaign, which is cosponsored by the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Financial Institutions and the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.

New and gently used children's books in all languages can be dropped off at the Ventura CHP Office, 4656 Valentine Road, Ventura. The books will be distributed to schools, shelters and other charitable organizations.

Last year's drive collected and distributed 6,400 books throughout the state. The book drive began in 2001 to honor Chávez for his humanitarian efforts. Books were donated to farm worker children.