Children First, a nationally recognized nonprofit delivering high-quality early childhood education and family strengthening programs, kicks off its third annual “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” book drive on February 1. Spearheaded by community advocate Sheila Birnbaum, the agency is seeking donations of new, age-appropriate books for children ages 5 and under to promote the importance of literacy. Books collected will be placed directly into the hands of children and families served by Children First and shared with local nonprofit and education partners. The book drive runs from February 1 through March 31, and community members are encouraged to get involved in one of two ways: Donate new children’s books by delivering or mailing them to 1723 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34234; Make a monetary donation at www.childrenfirst.net/donate, which will be used to purchase new books for children in the agency’s early learning programs. With the support of community partners and donors, Children First is helping turn today’s readers into tomorrow’s leaders - one book at a time. For more information, call (941) 953-3877 or go to childrenfirst.net.