PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Teaching children the value of reading and promoting literacy at an early age is the goal of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program now offered through the United Way of Aroostook which is made possible through donations and grants, such as the one recently presented by the Aroostook County Fund.
“The Aroostook County Fund proudly supports the efforts of the United Way of Aroostook to foster the love of reading and literacy among young children and their families by providing age-appropriate books once a month mailed to the homes of children from birth to the age of 5,” said Kari Wells-Puckett, vice chair of the ACF, whose funds are managed by the Maine Community Foundation.
Wells-Puckett said the UWA is collaborating with regional hospitals and media to reach the approximately 3,500 children in Aroostook County between the age of birth and 5 to strengthen early childhood development and school preparation.
“This is a tremendously valuable project for Aroostook County youth to foster an appreciation of learning and literacy in young people,” said Wells-Puckett, as she presented UWA Executive Director Claudia Stevens with a check for $4,000.
Stevens said early childhood education is one of the UWA’s focus areas.
To meet the financial needs of the DPIL program in Aroostook, Stevens said she’s looking “at a cost of $30,000 annually.”
“That figure will grow to $55,000 to $60,000, when we reach full capacity, with the number of children in that age group we serve throughout The County,” she said.
Stevens said it’s “a struggle financially, but we think we’ll be able to do it.”
Funds for the DPIL program are separate from UWA’s funding for other programs. She said she relies on community support to continue to provide books to the youth of northern Maine.
“If we can get communities on board, this project can go on in perpetuity. The Presque Isle Kiwanis Club recently gave us $5,000 — $1,000 a year for a five-year commitment. I and members of our board have spoken to various agencies. The Fisher Charitable Foundation has contributed to the program. Rotary has contributed,” said Stevens.
She said efforts are being made to work with County hospitals to reach parents of newborns and get them signed up as early as possible.
“I’ve been in contact with the hospitals. It’s a great place to get the program going. Cary Medical Center (in Caribou) and The Aroostook Medical Center (in Presque Isle) are very much in support of it,” said Stevens.
“I’m finding great energy around this project. It’s important to promote reading at an early age — both to promote literacy and as a way to bond with your children. Being able to read opens so many doors as children grow; we’re happy to be a part of the process,” said Stevens.
For more information, to make a donation or to register a child, call 764-5197.
