Broadway Utica and First Source Federal Credit Union are teaming up over the next few weeks to collect new and gently-used children’s books for various local organizations that service the underprivileged. Members of the community are encouraged to donate children’s books by dropping them off at First Source Federal Credit Union located at 4451 Commercial Drive, New Hartford and Broadway Utica, 258 Genesee Street, Utica. Book collection will begin immediately and continue until April 7, when Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is performed at Utica’s Stanley Theatre.

“Belle of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast had a love for books and reading. Therefore, we want to use that example to give back to the local community by encouraging young people to read. The best way we can do that is by ensuring books are readily available to all children in the Utica area,” said John Fehlner, executive director of Broadway Utica.

“First Source is proud to support Broadway Utica and be a part of the book drive. By pouring books into underprivileged homes, we can provide them with the basic tools that every child needs to succeed… books,” said Pamela Way, community relations specialist at First Source Federal Credit Union.

Broadway Utica brings the NETworks presentation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to Utica April 7 & 8 at 7:00 PM.  For more information on the production, or to purchase tickets, call 315-724-7196 or visit www.BroadwayUtica.com.