April is here and it is time for Comments for a Cause. If you have followed It’s Just Life for any length of time you know how excited I get around the first of the month. I delayed the announcement a day because of Easter (nothing should compete with Easter) and am happy today we will share the latest cause.
In March I shared about Georgia Options, Inc. – a wonderful organization that supports people with disabilities to live in their own homes and to have typical life experiences. While I know not a lot of my readers are folks who would be able to use this type of facility due to the location I think we can all agree that it is a pretty great thing. As I see our sweet Carlton struggle more and more each day I wonder what a place like this would have done for him had it been available in Ohio.
A lot of wonderful people stopped by the blog during the month to offer their praise and support for Georgia Options, Inc. and I am thrilled to announce that Chris and I will be making a donation of $225 to this great organization to help their efforts continue.
Reading is such a huge part of my life and it was just a year ago that I was able to put up a Little Free Library as part of my birthday present . If you somehow managed to miss that you can read about it here. I love keeping an eye on it and seeing what folks like to read, the books that they leave behind and the community has truly embraced it. I am in the process of getting another one ready to place as well so you know it is something that is dear to my heart.
I have heard of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for years and have never taken the time to check out what she does. Well, she does a lot. She started the Imagination Library in 1995 and here are some of the milestones.
Program Milestones
In addition to the many awards the organization has received, several milestones have been celebrated throughout the years. With each goal achieved a new one takes its place, creating an ever growing and expanding organizational culture, much like that of Dolly’s always-keep-dreaming mindset.
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1995 – Through The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly Parton Founded And Launched Her Imagination Library In Sevier County, Tennessee
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2000 – Imagination Library Began A National Replication Effort
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2002 – Native American Communities Added
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2004 – Imagination Library Goes Statewide In Tennessee
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2005 – International Book Committee Formed
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2006 – Imagination Library Opens In Canada
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2007 – Imagination Library Expands To United Kingdom
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2010 – Dolly Presents 25 Millionth Imagination Library Book
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2011 – Audio And Braille Books Added
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2013 – Dolly’s Imagination Library Expands To Australia
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2015 – Dolly Parton License Plates Began Pre-sales In Tennessee
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2016 – Imagination Library Begins Sending One Million Books A Month
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2017 – Official Dolly Parton License Plate Available In Tennessee Benefiting Imagination Library
Dolly knows the importance of reading and has pledged to get books in the hands of children. Each month thousands of books are distributed to registered children FREE OF CHARGE. Thanks to her generosity and the generosity of many others these books are given with no strings. If you know a child who would love to be a part of this program it is easy to get enrolled. Simply click here to check availability in your area. Services are available in the US, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
Communities can also get involved by becoming Local Champions. There is more information on the website with details about this if you are interested in making a difference within your own community. 
What a wonderful gift a book is. I encourage each of you to check out Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for yourself by clicking on the links at the end of this post. Make sure to watch the video that shows exactly the impact that this organization has.
During April each comment left on any post means a 50 cent donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. (Donation capped at $500) I love what she has started and the effect that it has had on so many young lives. Comment often and know that you are making a difference one comment at a time.
Do you know a child who has gotten books from Dolly? I would love to hear about it so leave me a comment.
33 Comments
Leave a commentThis is wonderful! Reading is so important – you are never bored if you have a great book to read! Books are like friends to me. Allison is already reading to Miles! Well done, again, friend!
That is very true. I am NEVER bored because I always have access to multiple books! I am glad Miles is hearing Allison read to him already–such an important step in the love of books and reading!
Perfect! This is such an amazing cause. Thanks for chosing such great comments for a cause. You and Chris are awesome!! xo
Thanks, Darlene. Anytime we can highlight a literacy cause is a good month. Thank YOU for commenting so faithfully and being one of my biggest supporters. Love you!
Wow I’m not sure if Ive ever hear about this but bravo Dolly! Another reason to love her (and you)
Isn’t it a wonderful thing? I love her dedication to getting books in the hands of children and especially in the hands of those who wouldn’t have access to books of their own. Thanks for stopping by!
Dolly is a shining example of giving back. It is great to hear how she is impacting children’s lives which will impact all of us.
Isn’t she wonderful? I just love her giving back example and her love of books and children . Thanks so much for stopping by, Bill! Hope you are doing well!
What a wonderful cause. Glad to see that once again you are being a ripple maker to help this cause.
Thank you, Beth Ann, for featuring Georgia Options this past month! And I only recently was reading about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and thought “what a cool thing!” Great pick!
You are welcome. Donation made this morning. And this cause is pretty neat as well!
Wow! This is an amazing organization! I had no idea! I will be telling my teacher friends at school about it. I’m sure they know of families that would benefit. From one book lover to another, thanks for raising awareness (and funding) for this worthy cause!
Thanks, Beth! I am thrilled that this is going to be my cause and that we will get some more folks informed about what this great charity does. Books are a winner in my book. 🙂
Litera(see)! A noble goal and a worthy cause for comments!
You are so doggone witty! Love that you stopped by to see what my cause was. Thanks!
I’m with you 100 percent on the importance of books and of reading. Thanks, as always, for your kind and giving heart. Chris, too.
Most of my friends get this one as well! It really is a wonderful cause and I am thrilled that we are highlighting it. Thanks for your enthusiastic support!
Another good choice.
Thanks so much, Dawn!
Love this! I’m going to have to keep it in mind for a future Comments for a Cause on my site too!
It’s such a great organization, isn’t it? I have to pop over and see what your cause is this month! Doing that right now!
Dolly Parton has been an inspiration of mine ever since my dad (Bill Kline) introduced me to her decades ago! Not only is her musical gift extraordinary, but her love of reading and her promotion of it and its educational values makes her a true American hero. We need more Dollys in the world!
Kristen— you are so correct! We need more folks like her! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Always love when you do these and spotlight a great cause!
Thanks so much! It is the best thing I do on It’s Just Life and love having the support of everyone. Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoy learning about a new cause each month. The more I am learning bout Dolly Parton, the more I am amazed.
I agree that Dolly is a pretty amazing person. I am thrilled to be able to highlight it!
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