AUBURN — Catholic Charities of Maine is collecting children’s books to send to child care centers in Biddeford, Portland and community food pantries for families in need.

“We’ve already received over 200 books donated by our parishioners,” said Deacon Denis Mailhot, outreach coordinator for Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, which encompasses Sacred Heart Church and St. Philip Church, both in Auburn.

“We will be collecting books in Auburn through Labor Day weekend,” said Bill Wood of Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry. “All people have to do is place their books in the book collection boxes at the churches and we’ll take it from there. Any book appropriate for ages 6 weeks to 7 years would be wonderful. Ensuring that all children begin to develop a love for reading is so important.”

The book collection is one of many Mustard Seed Projects conducted by Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry program.

To become involved in the book collection or another Mustard Seed Project, contact Wood at 207-523-1175 or bwood@ccmaine.org.

Deacon Denis Mailhot, outreach coordinator for Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn, shows children’s books to be sent to child care centers in Biddeford, Portland and community food pantries for families in need.

Bill Wood of Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry shows children’s books to be sent to child care centers in Biddeford, Portland and community food pantries for families in need.