The United Way of South Central Illinois received a $10,000 donation for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library on Tuesday.
The donation was made possible by a grant from Rent One’s charity foundation, “Great Expectations,” which was started by Rent One owners Larry and Sharon Carrico in 2011.
“(For) many kids this is the only book they get,” said Ashley Hoffman, the United Way Board president. “We’re just very grateful to the Carrico’s for allowing the United Way to do this program.”
The check was the fourth in a series of annual installments from a $50,000 pledge.
The donation allows local children from birth to 5-years-old to receive a free book once a month by mail.
“By receiving those books they form a love of reading,” said David Keen, the employment development director for Rent One.
So far, each child will receive a high quality, age appropriate book, according to Jen Miller, United Way executive director.
Miller said there are 1,140 children being served by the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Jefferson, Washington and Marion counties. More than 1,600 children have graduated — or aged out — of the program since its inception in 2011.
United Way is looking for more kids to sign up.
According to Miller, there are no income guidelines to register a child for the program. However, children must live in either Marion, Jefferson or Washington counties.
“It’s a great program,” Miller said. “We’re excited about our partnership with Rent One.”
To register for the library, contact the United Way of South Central Illinois at 242-8000. For more information on the library visit www.uwsci.org and for more information on the Rent One foundation visit the Great Expectations Foundation.
Source: Mt. Vernon Register-News on www.register-news.com
