There is magic in a child’s eyes when a package arrives in the mail addressed to them.
Vigo County children have experienced that joy monthly through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Since becoming the local program partner in August 2021, United Way of the Wabash Valley has helped deliver 131,270 free, high-quality books to more than 5,590 local children, helping families build home libraries and foster a lifelong love of learning.
During that time, more than 2,675 children have graduated from the program upon turning five, and nearly 2,485 local children continue receiving a new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to begin kindergarten ready to learn, and that starts long before they ever walk into a classroom,” said Dorothy Chambers, executive director of United Way of the Wabash Valley. “For the past five years, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has helped thousands of Vigo County families build that foundation by removing the cost barrier that can make it difficult to purchase books to read together at home. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and grateful to the families, partners, and supporters who make it possible for every enrolled child to build a home library from birth.”
The program operates through a unique partnership between The Dollywood Foundation and local community leaders such as United Way of the Wabash Valley. While The Dollywood Foundation manages book selection and distribution, local community partners raise the necessary funds to cover the cost of books and mailing for children in their communities. Research shows this investment yields big results: children in the program experience stronger early literacy outcomes, while families build richer, more consistent routines at home.
“My daughter was part of the program, and she loved seeing a book arrive with her name on it. Her favorite book is actually written and inspired by Dolly: Coat of Many Colors. We still read it,” said Marissa Northam, a local parent whose child participates. “The program helped me to be intentional with our reading time. As a reading teacher, I value reading together, but my daughter is stubborn and would be resistant at times. The book club helped us break through that because it was special and just for her.”
Every child enrolled receives a book each month from birth to five, helping build a personal library of 60 books before entering kindergarten.
“Now, reading together is never a problem. I would tell another parent to just do it. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Northam said.
Locally, the impact is made possible through the generosity of the Centerpoint Energy Foundation, United Way donors, and Indiana United Ways. Community support is also essential.
A gift to United Way of the Wabash Valley covers the cost of books and shipping for children in Vigo and Clay counties, ensuring it remains completely free for every family. To support local literacy efforts or sponsor a child’s home library, visit https://uwwv.org/donate
Families with children under the age of five who live in Vigo County can enroll at no cost by visiting imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/INVIGO.
