Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

DPIL logo This program provides preschoolers with 1 book a month from birth until age 5 at no cost to his or her family. The program is funded by businesses, corporate sponsors, service groups and individual donations to United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

Dolly launched the Imagination Library to honor her father who was smart and hardworking, but never learned to read or write. The program is meant to give children from all walks of life, both in the United States and around the world a chance that Dolly's father never had.

OUR STRATEGY

In partnership with the Dollywood Foundation, United Way of Southwest Louisiana is working to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to the children who need it most in Southwest Louisiana. Our program serves children in ALLEN, BEAUREGARD, CALCASIEU, CAMERON and JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISHES.

What happens when parents cannot afford books, or cannot take time off work to go to the library or do not have transportation to get to the library?

Educators emphasize that reading with a preschool child is the single most important activity to help prepare a child for success in school. For most families, books are a common part of a preschoolers regular routine.

THE NEED

Nationally, studies have shown that as many as 61% of low-income families do not have age-appropriate books for children in their home. It is estimated that as many as 2,788 preschool-age children from low-income families in Southwest Louisiana do not have access to books simply because their families cannot afford them.

Children entering school without basic literacy skills often struggle academically throughout their education. This can put a strain on family, school and community resources throughout a child's education.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your gift to United Way of Southwest Louisiana can help preschoolers have access to books and prepare them for school.

$10,000 Donation
Allows us to provide 200 children with a book each month for a year
$5,000 Donation
Allows us to provide 100 children with a book each month for a year
$3,000 Donation
Allows us to provide 60 children with a book each month for a year
$1,000 Donation
Allows us to provide 20 children with a book each month for a year
$250 Donation
Allows us to provide one child with a book each month from birth to age 5

Click here if you would like to pay for a sponsorship online.

My child gets so excited when he received his book every month,and I get excited becasue it is helping prepare him for school.

- Parent of an Imagination Library Recipient in Southwest Louisiana