PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Upon the recommendation of John T. Gorman Board member Maggie Keohan and approved by the full board of directors, the John T. Gorman Foundation awarded United Way of Aroostook a grant in the amount of $10,000 to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program.
“We’re thrilled with this award from John T. Gorman,” said Sherry Locke, United Way executive director. “United Way and its board of directors have been funding and coordinating the Imagination Library since 2013.”
She said, “We’ve got nine amazing businesses and organizations that currently help to sponsor the program, but we are always looking for others to support this valuable program. The Gorman grant couldn’t have come at a better time.”
“The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is focused on providing all young families living in Aroostook County with high quality books to help encourage early literacy for their preschool children,” said United Way’s Program and Volunteer Coordinator Athena Hallowell.
“The John T. Gorman Foundation’s mission and focus fall right in line with what we hope to accomplish with the Imagination Library: building stronger families. We’re grateful for their generous support.”
The program is currently sending nearly 2,300 books each month to registered children under 5. The books are age-appropriate and come with reading and literacy tips for parents to make the most of their read-aloud time with their children.
Feedback from enrolled parents has been positive. Erin LaPlante of Washburn is one such parent who is grateful to United Way for this program.
“Our kids love their Dolly Parton Imagination Library books,” LaPlante said. “Each month they feel so special when they get mail addressed to them. The monthly books have played a large role in their love of reading.”
To learn more about United Way of Aroostook or the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library visit www.unitedwayaroostook.org. To become a donor, contact the United Way office at 764-5197.
