DeKalb and Sycamore high schools will host the Bookcase Project’s fundraising dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 in the DeKalb High School cafeteria.

This banquet dinner aims to help local children from low-income families break the cycle of poverty with books.

The banquet will raise money for materials to build bookcases for 50 children enrolled in the Two Rivers Head Start program.

Dana Stover, wife of NIU President Doug Baker, will be the emcee of the event.

Guests are invited to bring new or gently used books appropriate for children ages 3 to 5.

The contributions should not include religious texts or books for older readers.

Tickets are being sold for $16 each, or tables of eight are available for $125. For the price of a book, diners can enjoy a meal and entertainment provided by the DeKalb High School a cappella choir.

For tickets, reservations or more information, call Mayor John Rey at 815-758-8577. Reservations for the event must be received by Feb. 12.