DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Richland Community College Foundation has been going door to door in local Decatur schools dropping off free copies of the book "James and the Giant Peach" in celebration of Reading Across America Day.
The drop-offs are so the students can read the story together before seeing the Richland theatre program's production of the story later in March.
Over the last five days, the foundation delivered 505 books to kids in several Decatur schools, including Montessori Academy for Peace, Hope Academy, Parsons Elementary School, and Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School.
The students will read the book in class before seeing the show on March 26 and 27.
"At the foundation, we're always thinking about how we create early moments of connection to Richland," said Richland Vice President of Institutional Advancement Julie Melton. "Delivering books into classrooms and then welcoming students to campus for live theatre is one small but meaningful way we do that. Experiences like this spark imagination, build confidence, and quietly plant the idea that college is within their reach."
The foundation has room for 60 more students to attend the performance on Friday, March 27. Educators can contact foundation@richland.edu if their class would like to attend.
Outside of the special class performances, Richland's theatre program has four performances open to the community.
"James and the Giant Peach" will be live in the Shilling Community Education Center Auditorium on March 27 at 7 p.m., March 28 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and March 29 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for regular admission and $7 for students, seniors and alumni. More information on the show and how to buy tickets can be found on the Richland theatre program website.
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