Dolly Parton was a national treasure, and the news of her death Aug. 25 has brought tributes from around the world. A musical child prodigy encouraged by her mother, she frequently said that she wanted to be rich and famous when she grew up – and she was. But she was so much more. Known for her positive attitude, her kindness and the many foundations she created to fund philanthropic causes, Dolly donated hundreds of millions of dollars that improved the lives of millions around the world.
In honor of her father, who was illiterate, Dolly founded the Imagination Library, a book gifting program for children from birth to age 5. Communities partner with the Imagination Library, which provides the books, while the local sponsor covers the postage so eligible children receive a free book each month addressed to them personally. There is no charge to families.
Since its founding in 1995, more than 332 million books have gone to children worldwide, including over 2,600 in Dolores and Montezuma counties. In the days since Dolly’s death, we’ve registered 19 children here – compared with the usual zero to two in the same time span. Call it the “Dolly effect!” You can register an eligible child at imaginationlibrary.com. To donate, mail a check payable to Onward Foundation with “Imagination Library” on the memo line to P.O. Box 26, Cortez, CO 81321.
Karen Sheek, Joanie Howland, Kathi Marler, Vangi McCoy, Terri Helm, Debbie Jones and Karlan Sheeran
Cortez
