As enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library grows statewide, the United Way of Union County is seeking contributions to continue its commitment to early literacy.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio mails children one high-quality, age-appropriate book each month from the time they are born until they turn five years old.
“The first book is always ‘The Little Engine That Could’ because that’s Dolly’s favorite,”said Corinne Bix, director of United Way of Union County and the Union County Imagination Library affiliate.
All kids in Ohio are eligible to be enrolled in the program at no cost to their family. This month, 327,743 kids are enrolled in Ohio’s Imagination Library, totaling to 45% of eligible kids between birth and age 5.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio and Ohio first lady Fran DeWine will welcome Dolly Parton on Tuesday to the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St., Columbus, in the Archie Griffin Ballroom to celebrate the success of her Imagination Library program in Ohio.
The first lady’s Charitable Foundation is hosting this luncheon to raise financial support and awareness for the Imagination Library program in Ohio.
The luncheon will be closed to the public.
Dolly Parton established the program as a tribute to her father, who was unable to read.
“It’s a really exciting program that started from a really small cause,” said Maggie McMullen, the vice chair of the Union County Imagination Library subcommittee at the United Way of Union County.
McMullen added that the program helps develop a literacy “partnership between the children and parents.”
The United Way of Union County has been a local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since 2008.
“Currently, Union County has over 2,000 children registered in the program with an annual local cost of $22,000,” Bix said.
The United Way of Union County pays for half of the shipping costs of the books, while the state covers the other half. The local nonprofit covers the shipping expenses through donations.
The new subcommittee at United Way was founded to fundraise for the program to “get the book through the last line” into a child’s hands, McMullen said.
The committee also aims to raise awareness about the program. McMullen said before she joined the United Way, she did not know that the nonprofit paid for a portion of the shipping costs.
Bix encourages people “if you really love the Dolly program” to support the United Way of Union County. Individuals can designate a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Bix added that all general donations to the local United Way will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Businesses may also do sponsorships for the program.
The cost for the five years of eligibility per child is about $120.
“There’s no way you’d ever be able to buy new books for a dollar or two apiece,” Bix said.
Bix said more than 50% of Union County children aged 5 and under are enrolled in the program and registration is increasing with statewide marketing of the program. There has been a recent influx in the southern part of Union County, with enrollment of residents in Plain City and the Dublin area, she said.
“My committee is very excited about it,” Bix said.
McMullen said as a mother the program is close to her heart because it gives youth the foundation to love books. Although children may not be able to read during their eligibility, by age 5, they will have a whole library at home.
To register a child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library or to make a donation, visit www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org.