News

March 10, 2020:

CORNING – United Way of the Southern Tier has received a $10,000 gift from the Eaton Charitable Fund to support the continued growth of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Chemung and Steuben counties. 

“We’re extremely grateful for the generous support of Eaton and its local employees, especially as enrollment in the Imagination Library continues to climb at a rapid rate,” said United Way President and CEO Stephen M. Hughes. “More than a third of all the young children in our two counties are receiving a free book each month through this amazing program that encourages reading and gets children prepared to start school.”

Nearly 3,700 children in Chemung and Steuben counties under the age of 5 receive a book by mail each month through the Imagination Library. 

“Eaton is committed to funding organizations that strengthen our community. Like so many others, my son has benefitted from the Imagination Library, and we at Eaton are so proud to fund opportunities that support early childhood development,” said Aaron Justice, Plant Manager at Eaton in Horseheads.

Registration for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is online at www.uwst.org; paper applications are also available by calling the United Way office at 607-936-3753. Six to nine weeks after the application is received and processed, the first book – “The Little Engine That Could” – is mailed. Books included in the program in 2020 include classics such as “The Snowy Day” and “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” and new favorites including “Good Night, Gorilla,” and “Last Stop on Market Street.” 

Eaton employs 165 people at its Horseheads plant, where it produces electrical components that are used to safely manage power around the world.  

Each year, Eaton’s Charitable Fund donates nearly $11 million to organizations in Eaton communities around the world. These donations support arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health and human services, youth programs, and more.