Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
How Dolly Parton + this local nonprofit help 9,650 local kids get free books monthly
Reading time: 4 minutes
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As the daughter of two elementary school teachers, reading books was an integral part of my childhood, as is visiting my mom’s kindergarten class for story time in my adulthood. Discovering new worlds through literature is as important now as ever before, and local nonprofit United Way of Madison County knows that, too.
See how United Way is helping instill a love of reading in over 9,600 local kids, plus how you get involved as a recipient, volunteer or donator!
Kids get free books monthly through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
On a mission to serve the community’s greatest needs, United Way has prioritized the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as a partner program since 2023. Launched in Dolly’s home state of Tennessee in 1995, the growing book gifting program mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income.
“Growing up with books in the home is one of the greatest predictors of future success. At Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we not only provide up to 60 books for a child’s home library, supporting that future success, but we also help to inspire a love of reading in families. And really, that’s our ultimate goal.”
Kaelyn Christian, State Director for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Alabama
Children in the program are:
- 15x more likely to join in when reading with a parent or teacher
- 11x more likely to be interested in books
- 9x more likely to initiate joint reading with a parent or teacher
- 3x more likely to know show foundational, pre-reading skills like holding a book
The widespread impact: 1 of 6 kids in the U.S. are enrolled. In AL, 110,000 kids are enrolled statewide (up from 40,000 in August 2023).
đź“šđź“« Click here to enroll your kid to get free books in the mail! every month
How donating only $31 a year can make an impact
United Way’s goal is to make it easy for locals like you and me to give back to our community through our time, talent and treasure. The Imagination Library fund is one of many tangible ways you can make a direct impact.
Just $31 a year can mean a local kiddo can enjoy the magical moment of receiving a new mystery book in the mail every month. Hear from one local how this program impacted his kids:
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library filled our home with stories that became some of my daughters’ favorite childhood memories. Those books created moments of connection and magic. The girls were always ahead of their grade-level in reading and eager for the next literary adventure, sparking a lifelong love of books and learning that continues to shape them today.”
My oldest, Haven, is 18 and about to graduate from the Lee High Arts Magnet. My younger daughter, Kadee, is 16, and attending Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering.”
Wes Kelly, President and CEO of Huntsville Utilities
đź’° Contribute to United Way’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library fund
United Way continues investing in Huntsville’s young generations
UWMC’s Imagination Library is #2 in the state for enrollment growth and #34 in the country. Every ZIP code in Madison County is served with over 9,600 children receiving a monthly free book (up from 523 kids three years ago!).
“The United Way of Madison County is honored to be a part of this incredible program, taking the lead in providing free books to families with young children throughout our community. Families who read together support early literacy, emotional bonding and school readiness.”
Daniel Kasambira, president & CEO, United Way of Madison County
Locals volunteer for Read Across America Week March 2-6
This week, 150+ local United Way volunteers will fill elementary schools in Madison County to read books in celebration of Read Across America Week. This annual volunteer initiative pairs with UWMC’s goal to invest in our community’s future generations.
đź“š There are still a few open slots to read! Click here to sign up
Explore more ways to give back to the Huntsville community through United Way of Madison County.
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