Words by Tess Becker
Famous singer and international icon, Dolly Parton has made an impact across the world in ways well beyond her music. In fact, to many, she may be more famous as a philanthropist than a musician, and that’s well warranted.
Dolly’s philanthropy has offered support with Covid and disease research, but most famous is her work to help more kids read.
Her literacy program, Imagination Library, has sent out 204,274,622 books to kids at the time of writing and soon will be expanding into Montana.
Soon, every kid five and under in Montana will have the opportunity to get free monthly books.
“I’m so excited to be launching my Imagination Library statewide in Montana!” said Parton in a release. “I want to send my very special thanks to First Lady Susan Gianforte for her partnership in making this amazing gift available to children and families across the state.”
The partnership will assist programs already in place while also expanding programs statewide to every zip code in all of Montana’s 56 counties. This comes as a part of Montana’s First Lady’s plans to boost literacy for kids while promoting and expanding access to STEM education, particularly for girls and students in Montana’s rural communities.
“Literacy is critical for our kids and their development. When parents read to their kids or when a child reads, it engages them, it fires their imagination, and sparks their curiosity,” First Lady Susan Gianforte said. “The partnership between the Treasure State Foundation, the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and local organizations throughout communities in Montana is about making sure every Montanan has access to reading resources so they can dream, grow, and reach their full potential.”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Imagination Library. If you want to help Dolly’s organization get more books to kids consider donating.
Kids In Distress. This organization helps support at-risk kids and families around the US. Find out more.
The Trevor Project. They focus on suicide prevention and mental health support for queer youth. Support them here.
