NATCHEZ &8212; Junior Auxiliary of Natchez wanted to help out on the coast, but didn&8217;t want to cut back on any services at home, so they are calling on the community for help.

The organization is collecting donated new or used children&8217;s books to restock school libraries on the Mississippi gulf coast.

The books will go through sister auxiliaries in the Pascagoula-Moss Point area and in Gulfport.

&8220;Two-thirds of the members have lost everything,&8221; Natchez JA President Cheryl Branyan said. &8220;They put out a plea on the national site and asked for things to assist communities.

&8220;JA of Natchez decided that would be something we could achieve through a book drive that would be cost efficient.&8221;

The libraries need any and all books in good condition for children in grades kindergarten through 12th. Accelerated reader books are especially needed.

Junior Auxiliary is helping the hurricane relief nationally as well.

&8220;Our first concern at this time is to support those communities that are getting the children bruised by Katrina back to school and back to normalcy,&8221; national President Lyn Patrick said.

Patrick is planning to visit Natchez next month.

The Natchez book drive started Monday and will last until Oct. 31. JA will handle transportation of the books.

Books can be dropped off at Armstrong Library, Moreton&8217;s Flowerland, Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Natchez Rehab, Historic Jefferson College and Concordia Bank in Vidalia.