United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) has been awarded $56,487 in support of its literacy program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund. These funds will help to renew the program across Sabine Parish and sponsor approximately 1,700 children in the region.
According to the Louisiana Department of Education, nearly 60 percent of children in Northwest Louisiana enter kindergarten without the tools needed to be successful in school and later in life. As the largest provider in the state, UWNWLA enables the Imagination Library to send books to children from birth to age five at no cost to families. Children can be enrolled in the program at birth and own a library of up to 60 books by the time they enter kindergarten, ensuring they have the proper tools for school readiness.
“Youth education is a core part of Weyerhaeuser’s commitment to rural operating communities and one of the main areas of need we’re working to support in Zwolle and northwest Louisiana through our THRIVE program,” says Nancy Thompson, Sr. Director of Advocacy and Philanthropy at Weyerhaeuser. “Through our partnership with United Way, we’re excited to expand our positive impact across Sabine Parish and work closely with librarians, educators, and parents to ensure children develop a love of reading and books and enter school with a solid foundation for future learning.”
The Imagination Library provides access to books for children in families identified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICErepresents the growing number of individuals and families who work hard but are still unable to afford their essential needs. The children of ALICE are especially affected when it comes to the lack of books in their homes because books are often viewed as a luxury when other family necessities are going unmet.
“We are elated by the generous support of Weyerhaeuser and excited for the positive impact it will have on Sabine Parish,” said Director of Community Impact Raavin Evans. “Their generosity is more than a gift—it’s an investment in the future of countless children, empowering them with the joy of reading and the tools to dream big. We are truly grateful for Weyerhaeuser’s partnership in making such a profound impact!”
Since the program’s inception in 2012, UWNWLA has mailed more than 416,772 books across the region. In addition, the organization has started enrolling underserved pre-k classrooms in Caddo Parish to provide children with more access to books.
To learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, become a sponsor, or register your child, please visit https:// unitedwaynwla.org/ our-focus/education/ dolly-partons-imagination- library/ .