‘9 to 5 for Little Readers’ fundraiser aims to put books in children’s hands

To donate, text DOLLY925 to 44834.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — United Way of Southern Kentucky is asking the community to support young readers through its “9 to 5 for Little Readers” fundraiser Friday, Sept. 25, as enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to grow across the region.

United Way volunteer Beth Schaffer said enrollment in the program jumped 200% in just one month, increasing the need for local funding to keep books going to children.

Building a love of reading

The Imagination Library provides participating children with a book each month, helping them build a home library before they finish the program.

Schaffer said early access to books can play an important role in preparing children for school.

“We know the number one indicator for school success is reading success, and it begins with vocabulary,” Schaffer said. “And they have to learn to love reading. So having a book in their hand that they get to choose, they learn outside of what they already know. It’s theirs. They get to take it and they get to keep it forever. So that excitement builds.”

Schaffer said children can have 60 books of their own by the time they complete the program.

Growing enrollment brings a growing need

While the increase in enrollment is welcome, Schaffer said it also means more money must be raised locally to support the program.

“We’re excited about it,” Schaffer said. “By the same token, we’re responsible for finding those funds to help support this program.”

According to Schaffer, $17.50 can support one child for a full year, with that child receiving a book each month.

She said small donations can quickly add up.

“And every little bit helps,” Schaffer said. “If you want to do $2 and your $2 and my $2 and somebody else’s, we’ll sponsor a child for a year.”

A personal connection to early literacy

For Schaffer, the effort is also personal. She has worked in early education and said she has seen the difference access to books can make.

“I’m an early educator, and I see the difference this makes,” Schaffer said. “We have children who don’t have experiences outside their home. These books open up a world of learning and a world of opportunity that also gives them incentive to read.”

She said the goal is to get books into the hands of children from birth to age 5 throughout the area.

“You know, you can’t read if you don’t have a book in your hand,” Schaffer said. “This is my book and I’m going to read it.”

How to support the fundraiser

Every donation helps United Way of Southern Kentucky continue funding the Imagination Library in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Warren Counties. 

To donate, text DOLLY925 to 44834 or visit the United Way of Southern Kentucky website.