If you’re anything like me, the news of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library expanding its reach across Southeast Louisiana is the kind of update that fuels your passion for fostering a love of reading among our community’s youngest neighbors. As your United Way’s resident Dolly Parton fan, I’m thrilled to share the fantastic news and shed light on how you can be a part of this literary journey.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Let’s rewind to 2013 when United Way of Southeast Louisiana first launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in a handful of parishes with support from a communitywide coalition. Over the last decade, the program mailed thousands of books, free of charge, to registered children from birth until age five in Jefferson, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa parishes. Just last year, we witnessed an exciting statewide expansion, adding Plaquemines, Orleans, St. Bernard, and Washington parishes. This expansion means more children have access to the magic of storytelling, thanks to the ongoing generosity of individuals, businesses, government, and education partners in our community.
The Power of Community Funding
Now, let’s not ignore the heartbeat of this program – community funding. The Imagination Library’s books are made possible through private and corporate local donations, and we need your help to make this program a reality for households in every parish we serve.
Without new and continuous funding in each parish, we cannot enroll new children and won’t be eligible for the state’s new matching funds, hindering our ability to accept registrations and bring the joy of reading to more children and families.
The Call to Action
Supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in your parish is as simple as giving. Your generosity can create a meaningful impact by allowing United Way to provide books to more children, nurturing their love for reading, and creating more opportunities for lifelong success.
For just $30, you can sponsor one child for an entire year. And for a donation of $150, you can sponsor one child for the complete program from birth to age five, ensuring they receive a new book each month during these critical developmental years.
By contributing, you are playing a crucial role in providing the building blocks for a strong start in life. Your support directly impacts the outcomes of children in our community and helps shape a brighter region for us all.
Join Us on This Literary Adventure
As someone who appreciates Dolly Parton’s legacy and the significance of early childhood literacy, I ask you to join me in supporting the Imagination Library in Southeast Louisiana. Your gifts will bring the joy of reading to countless children and contribute to a community that values equitable education and opportunity for every person everywhere.
Let’s unlock imagination together and ensure that every child in Southeast Louisiana has the chance to embark on a lifetime filled with learning.
Thank you for helping us build a brighter future, one page at a time.
Kirby Jane Nagle
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
PIO and VP Communications