Thousands of books will be distributed to children in Westland and Wayne, thanks to the Red Wagon Project, an Americorps-VISTA program that involves Schoolcraft students and some staff in community-related activities. Last year, Schoolcraft volunteers gave almost 300 children 1,200 free books. This year’s Red Wagon distribution begins in mid-June. Other organizations taking part in the project include schools, civic clubs, churches and businesses.

After volunteers collect books during May, they work in teams to pull red wagons full of the donated books and bottled water through specific neighborhoods, giving the items to children. They also take time to read several books to the children. The teams visit neighborhoods once a week through mid-August.

Another facet of the program includes reading to children who receive free lunches during the summer at two Westland elementary schools. Volunteers read on Fridays for about an hour, entertaining some 45 children with the wonders of stories. Laura Stanton, Michigan Campus Compact Americorps VISTA project coordinator, directs the program.