From UWCK
United Way of Central Kansas is encouraging Great Bend residents and businesses to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program delivering free books to young children each month and helping prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
In Great Bend, 540 children receive a new book each month, building early literacy skills and encouraging a lifelong love of reading. The program ensures that children, regardless of family income or access to resources, have books in their homes during the critical early years of development.
Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success. Children who are read to regularly develop stronger language skills, better comprehension, and greater readiness for school. Research shows that children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are significantly more likely to engage with books and develop early reading habits—key building blocks for kindergarten readiness.
“Reading together creates lasting memories and sets children up for success,” said Charell Owings, Executive Director of UWCK. “This program is about giving every child in our community a strong start.”
It takes $7,500 annually to sustain the program in Great Bend. Donations of all sizes make a difference, with $150 sponsoring five children for a full year.
UWCK is seeking community support to ensure this opportunity remains available to local families.
To learn more or contribute, contact United Way of Central Kansas or visit www.uwck.org.