United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) has received a $2,500 grant from the Ellinwood Public Education and Library Foundation to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Ellinwood for the next three years.
Each month, approximately 85–90 children ages 0–5 in Ellinwood receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered directly to their mailbox. Each child can receive up to 60 books before kindergarten. This funding ensures those books will continue reaching local families, building early literacy and encouraging daily reading.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is backed by extensive research showing that access to books and shared reading significantly improves language development and school readiness. A global study of more than 86,000 caregivers found children enrolled in the program are far more likely to engage with books, build reading habits, and develop early literacy skills.
Importantly, 100% of funds raised for Imagination Library go directly toward books and mailing. UWCK provides program coordination at no cost, ensuring every dollar supports local children.
In a region where nearly half of households are ALICE or below, this program removes barriers to book access and helps ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
For more information or to support the program, visit www.uwck.org.