Funds Raised for DPIL Program

Laurens County Reading Council Raises Money for United Way Early Literacy Program

 

The Laurens County Reading Council (LCRC) recently raised over $1,700 to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) program, an early literacy program offered by the United Way of Laurens County (UWLC).

Upon hearing of issues with decreased funding, and with hopes of UWLC being able to continue providing the DPIL program, the LCRC sprang into action. Council members joined forces and encouraged teachers and peers to raise money within both county school district schools. Both students and teachers alike got involved in holding fundraisers, holding this initiative close their hearts.  Many of the children attending these schools received the DPIL books at a young age or have siblings that receive them today.

“The Laurens County Reading Council is thrilled that our students and teachers have come together to support such a worthy cause for the young children of our community,” said LCRC President, Kim Shelton.

The DPIL program is set up to mail specially selected, age-appropriate books to enrolled children’s home addresses monthly.  The DPIL program allows all children from birth to five years of age, regardless of their family’s income, to create a home library of up to 60 books, while instilling a love of reading at an early age. This year, UWLC is celebrating 15 years of offering this program to Laurens County children. Over 230,000 books in total have been mailed to local homes since 2002.  

“We are so grateful to the Laurens County Reading Council for their help with this initiative,” said UWLC Executive Director, Amanda Munyan. “With over 1,400 Laurens County children signed up to receive the Imagination Library books each month, we know it is a benefit to our community.  At United Way, we are proud to offer this program and work hard to raise the necessary funds so that we can continue to create a love of reading & learning in our local children.  We thank all of the council members, and participating schools and teachers for their support and commitment to help maintain this program.”