Lake Forest residents can drop off new pajamas and bedtime books at the Lake Forest Library to help children in foster care.

The library's foyer is one of about 11 collection sites across State Sen. Julie Morrison's 29th District for the "Sweet Dreams" drive, which accepts donations of new pajamas and new books for children from newborns to age 12. The drive runs through Nov. 15, according to the library.

More than 1,500 children in the district are reported abused or neglected each year, many unable to return home because of unsafe conditions, according to Morrison's office. Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), the drive's beneficiary, assigns trained citizen-volunteers to help those children navigate the legal process that determines where they will live. CASA volunteers also work to ensure children have access to the items and resources they need as they adjust to new circumstances.

The program currently serves about 600 children in Lake County. Many live in foster homes or are working toward stability with their biological families.

"Every child deserves pajamas to keep them warm and books to nurture their imaginations, but too many children each year go without, especially those who have had to leave their homes," Morrison said when she announced the drive Sept. 15.

Morrison, a Democrat who represents Lake Forest, launched the collection Oct. 1. A kickoff event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Cross Deerfield in conjunction with a blood drive.

Other drop-off locations include sites in Lake Bluff, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook, Northfield and Wheeling. The Lake Forest Library, at 360 E. Deerpath Rd., accepts donations during regular hours.

Morrison's Deerfield office at 400 Lake Cook Road, Suite 100B, also accepts donations. Hours are Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All donations must be new. Pajama sizes range from newborn through youth size 12.