United Way of Aroostook is a 501 (3) (c) which mobilizes resources to improve the lives of the people in our communities. Currently it partners with 14 local health and human service agencies and supports a few organizations by providing grants to help get them started or to continue the work that they do so well. United Way of Aroostook (UWA) also implements several of its own programs which promote the well-being of people right here in the County.
A young attendee enjoys the free books. (Contributed photo)
One such program is the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This program sends one, age-appropriate book to children enrolled in the program each month. Children are eligible for the program from birth to age five. Children will receive up to 60 free books throughout the duration of their time in the program. UWA began funding this early literacy program in 2010 with the belief that, by encouraging and enriching literacy in the homes of preschoolers, children would be better prepared for academic success once they started school. In June of 2017, we sent our 70,000th book to the children of Aroostook County.
The UWA Board of Directors is committed to providing this service to the youngest citizens of Aroostook because it understands the value of literacy and the impact it has on the future of the County, but it does come with a cost. The Dolly’s Imagination Library Program costs roughly $25/month/child. Currently UWA is sending out 2,150 books each month to county preschoolers. That is about $55,000 a year to continue the program. UWA is grateful to have some dedicated sponsors to help with costs. They include all four county hospitals, Kiwanis Club of Presque Isle, and Rotary Clubs of Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, and Mars Hill. Some municipalities and individuals have donated monies toward the cost of sending books to children who live in their communities.
After all of this financial support, the UWA still needs more money to fund the program so it has created a fundraiser to help with this. Last year, on a sunny Saturday in early October, the first annual Book It for Reading 5K/1 Mile Fun Run took place at Mantle Lake Park. Over 95 runners, walkers, and strollers of all ages participated. Participants received an event t-shirt and free book of their choice as they crossed the finish line. Money raised at this event went directly to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Neve Guerrette, age 9 and Book It 2016 participant, had this to say about her experience. “I love to be active, and it was great to get a free book for my hard work!”
“It was fun. I liked getting books last year. I got a Batman book!” added Josh Harvell, 8 year old 2016 runner.
The 2016 event was such a success, this year’s event is even bigger and better. Working with sponsors which include State Farm-John Harvell, NEI Mechanical and Electrical Services, and JMG-Caribou High School, Book It for Reading will take place in 3 locations this year! The Fort Kent event will take place on Saturday, July 8. The next race takes place in Houlton on Saturday, July 22. The third and final Book It for Reading event takes place in Presque Isle on Saturday, August 19. All three races begin with registration at 9 am. The first 50 registrants for each event will get an event t-shirt. All participants will receive a book or two of their choice when they cross the finish line. Once again, the money raised from these events will go towards supporting the Dolly’s Program and promoting early literacy in Aroostook County.
“I like supporting the United Way of Aroostook because I love what they do in the community,” said sponsor John Harvell of State Farm.
For more information or to sponsor Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, please contact the UWA office at (207) 764-5197. To register for Book It for Reading, visit www.unitedwayaroostook.org and look under the EVENTS tab.
