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FAIRMONT - The childhood literacy program created by a beloved music superstar will soon be offered to area families.
Tygart Valley United Way announced Friday that it is joining Dolly Parton's Imagination Library as the Local Program Partner serving Randolph, Tucker and Marion counties.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library provides enrolled children with a free, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their home each month from birth until their fifth birthday, regardless of family income.
The program will be coordinated by Women United, Tygart Valley United Way's network of women committed to "creating meaningful change for children and families across the region," a United Way press release stated.
"Few programs capture the idea of Youth Opportunity quite like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library," said Brett White, CEO of Tygart Valley United Way. "A book arriving in a child's mailbox every month may seem simple, but it creates an opportunity to learn, to spend time together as a family and to develop a love of reading that can last a lifetime. We are incredibly excited to help carry Dolly's vision forward for children in our region."
Working alongside the state of West Virginia and the local boards of education, Tygart Valley United Way and Women United will help ensure children across the three counties have access to free, high quality books delivered directly to their homes.
The announcement came on Sept. 25, which was designated Give Like Dolly Day, a day inspired by Parton's generosity and lifelong commitment to giving back, especially to children.
The newly announced partnership directly advances Tygart Valley United Way's Youth Opportunity Bold Goal, which is "Ensure every young person has the relationships, skills and opportunities they need to reach their full potential."
Women United will take a leadership role in coordinating and championing the program across the three counties, the release stated, including building awareness, supporting enrollment efforts and helping raise the local resources necessary to sustain and grow the Imagination Library.
"This is a natural fit for Women United and the difference these women want to make in our community," White said. "They will not simply be supporting the Imagination Library. They will be its local champions, helping us put thousands of books into the hands of children and giving families another tool to help their kids learn, grow and dream."
Tygart Valley United Way and Women United will work closely with the boards of education in Randolph, Tucker and Marion counties to promote the program and increase enrollment among eligible children, officials said.
"This is exactly the kind of work our community told us matters," White added. "Youth Opportunity begins long before a child enters a classroom. By getting books into homes and encouraging families to read together from a young age, we can help build a stronger foundation for children across our region."
To mark Give Like Dolly Day, Women United is inviting individuals, businesses and community partners to join the effort by making a gift to support the Imagination Library locally. Donations will help provide books to children in Randolph, Tucker and Marion counties.
"Dolly has shown the world what can happen when generosity and opportunity come together," added Brandi Lemon, Women United Chair. "On Give Like Dolly Day, we are asking our community to follow her example. Give, help us spread the word or encourage a family to enroll their child. Together, we can put more books and more possibilities into the hands of our kids."
In order to Give Like Dolly and support the local Imagination Library, go to tvuw.us/dpil-donate. Families interested in enrolling an eligible child can learn more at tvuw.us/dpil-enroll