News

Nov. 1, 2024:

Spark the joy of learning and instill a love of reading for children in Chemung and Steuben counties by supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library during FLX Gives November 14-15.

Every month, more than 4,500 young children in our two counties receive a free book in the mail thanks to donations made to the Imagination Library. This program is open to all children under the age of 5 and is provided at no cost to families.

You can support this worthwhile effort by making a donation between the hours of 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, and 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, on the FLX Gives online giving platform. 

Although Dolly Parton is the champion for this popular worldwide initiative, the famed icon does not provide funding for the local program. Her relationship with book publishers and distributors keeps costs low, and donations to United Way of the Southern Tier pay for the program in Chemung and Steuben counties. Families are never charged for the books.

In addition to a personal gift on Nov. 14-15, you can also promote early literacy in our community by becoming a fundraising champion for the Imagination Library. Click “Fundraise” on the FLX Gives page to get started.

For more information, please contact United Way Director of Communications and Community Engagement Lois Wilson by email or at 607-377-5834.