Whittier Elementary School gets books from the heart

-- Deirdre Newman

Some Costa Mesa students received a literary valentine gift from

Newport Beach students Thursday.

Students from Newport Coast Elementary School collected books and

delivered them to Whittier Elementary School as part of the first Books

from the Heart program. The students also attached notes in the books

about why they enjoyed them.

The book exchange was suggested by Maya Ziegler, a parent at Newport

Coast who wanted children at the school to be aware that other students

in the district do not have the same advantages.

The students collected more than 100 books. Whittier teachers will

distribute them to children who have reached special reading goals.