Over 1,700 children from the district have registered to receive books
The Fremont-based United Way of Sandusky County announced it has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Imagination Library Ohio to provide engaging, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children in Sandusky County from birth to age five.
Children who participate in this program receive a free book sent directly to their home every month until they reach the age of five.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was founded in 1995 in Dolly’s hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, to instill a love of books and reading in children. Since its founding, over 200 million books have been distributed to children worldwide.
The program expanded to Sandusky County, Ohio, in October 2020 in partnership with the Terra College Foundation.
United Way of Sandusky County took over this partnership in June 2024. Although the program is free for families, there are local costs to run the program. Each book costs approximately $2.20 to purchase and ship. United Way covers half the cost and the other half is covered by matching funds from the State of Ohio.
There are currently over 1,700 children enrolled in Sandusky County, which is about 56% of all eligible children in the county.
“We are working on a partnership with ProMedica Memorial Hospital to enroll children in the Imagination at birth in hopes of reaching more children. The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library was inspired by Ohio’s First Lady Fran DeWine and together we are committed to improving the lives of Ohio’s children by reaching as many children as possible,” noted Jill Simpson, CEO and President of United Way of Sandusky County.
According to the Dollywood Foundation, shared reading promotes intellectual development, strengthens language skills, builds bonds with caregivers, and increases concentration and discipline.
United Way of Sandusky County is committed to ensuring every child succeeds in school by funding programs that promote early childhood literacy and kindergarten preparation.
“The Dolly Parton Imagination Library aligns with our goals here at United Way, and we are excited to continue the program and ensure its continued success,” noted Simpson.
Parents or guardians can register their children online at www.uwsandco.org or by calling the United Way office at 419-334-8938.
The News Messenger/News Herald
