Little Readers fundraiser reaches halfway mark

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — A Southern Kentucky fundraiser supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has reached about half of its $7,000 goal following Friday’s “9 to 5 for Little Readers” campaign, with organizers continuing to accept donations as enrollment grows.

The campaign supports children enrolled in the Imagination Library program, which provides children from birth to age 5 with a free, age-appropriate book in the mail each month at no cost to their families.

Community rallies behind campaign

Hannah Gray, senior director of community impact, said the fundraiser came together quickly after a surge in enrollment.

“It went really well for an event that was thrown together pretty quickly after the surge of enrollments. Our goal was $7,000. We have met about half of that goal so far. So again, exciting for a quick turnaround on a fundraiser,” Gray said.

Support came from board members, volunteers and businesses across the community. Gray said Atmos Energy was among the companies that interacted with and supported the campaign.

Several businesses also created their own fundraising efforts. Meltdown Ice Cream & Soda Fountain introduced a “Cup of Ambition” chocolate coffee ice cream flavor and donated a portion of the proceeds, while Chase’s Garage and Bar held a Dolly-themed karaoke night.

Fundraising continues as enrollment grows

Enrollment in the program increased 200% in August, and organizers say the fundraising push will continue as more children sign up.

Gray said enrollment is still increasing every day.

A relatively small donation can also make a yearlong impact.

“If you wanted to fund a child for a full year in this program, that would be 12 months of receiving books,” Gray said. “It costs us about $18 to sign that child for a full year.”

Books support early literacy

Gray said access to age-appropriate books can help children build early literacy skills before entering school.

“A lot of children don’t have access to age appropriate books,” Gray said. “So just simply a child having a book in their hands, figuring out how to turn pages brings literacy outcomes to our community.”

Donations can be made by texting “DOLLY925” to 44834 or through the United Way of Southern Kentucky’s website.