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United Way of PC Receives Grant From PC Area Foundation for Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Pictured above are young readers: Eva Schmidt (1 years old); and Max Schmidt (4 years old) enjjoying their latest reads provided by the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

United Way of Paulding County is proud to announce it has received a generous grant from the Paulding County Area Foundation to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, a beloved program that provides free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, regardless of a family’s income or background.

Through this funding, more children across Paulding County will receive a new book delivered directly to their home each month, helping to spark a love of reading, strengthen early literacy skills, and support families in building strong foundations for lifelong learning.

“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that begins with access to books and early learning experiences,” said Lora Lyons, Executive Director of United Way of Paulding County. “This grant allows us to continue investing in our youngest minds and ensuring that no child is left behind simply because of financial barriers.”

The program is part of the nationally recognized Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which has gifted millions of books to children across the world. By partnering locally, United Way of Paulding County is helping bring this impactful program directly into homes throughout the community.

The Paulding County Area Foundation’s support reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening families, education, and the overall well-being of the county.

“This is more than books, it’s about hope, opportunity, and showing our children that their community believes in them,” United Way shared. “We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the positive difference it will make for local children.”

Families with children from newborn to age five are encouraged to enroll to begin receiving free monthly books and join in encouraging a love of reading from the very start.

For more information about enrollment or the program, contact United Way of Paulding County at pcuwdirector@gmail.com or visit www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org to register your child for free!