Book drive to benefit Great Lakes Naval Base

April is The Month of the Military Child and, to celebrate, the EduKids Networking Group is hosting a library book drive to benefit the students at Forrestal Elementary on the Naval Base Great Lakes.

The event will be at the Culver’s Restaurant of Libertyville, 803 E. Park Ave., which will host a special family night from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 28.

Books can be dropped off all week at the Culver’s and donors will receive something in return from the restaurant. Forrestal Elementary is in need of all types of books to replenish its aging library, including reading, research and classroom support.

School principal CasSandra Brooks and other representatives from the school will be present Thursday to provide information about their school and to greet those who are donating.

EduKids representatives will also be present in rotating groups to distribute information about its members. EduKids is a group of professionals and entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on families, children or educational needs. The group meets monthly to network with other family-focused businesses, share marketing ideas and client needs.

Members in the group include businesses that provide everything from language and tutoring services to portrait photography, retail products, educational advocacy services, counseling services, military family support and preschool. Businesses or individuals interested in joining can find EduKids on Facebook.

The Forrestal library wish list includes: No books older than 5 years; hardcover books are encouraged because of their durability; easy readers (K-2nd grade); nonfiction and fiction (3rd-5th grades); books related to science, technology, nature and animals; books related to endangered animals; Greek mythology; holiday books; different cultures; career books; state books; geography; autobiographies; posters/pictures to encourage readers.