(Shreveport, LA) – In support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the International Paper Foundation in partnership with International Paper Mansfield Mill. These funds will renew the Imagination Library in DeSoto Parish, sponsoring 600 children in the region.
According to the Louisiana Department of Education, nearly 60 percent of children in Northwest Louisiana enter kindergarten without the tools needed to be successful in school and later in life. As the largest provider in the state, UWNWLA enables the Imagination Library to send books to children from birth to age five at no cost to families. Children enrolled in the program at birth can own a library of up to 60 books by the time they enter kindergarten, ensuring they have the proper tools for school readiness.
“At International Paper Mansfield Mill, we embrace the opportunity to be community partners, particularly when it comes to educating the children in the communities where we live and work,” said Paula Wood, International Paper Mansfield Mill Manager. “By being heavily involved in United Way programs such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we’re helping youngsters plant seeds of opportunity.”
The Imagination Library provides access to books for children in families identified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE represents the growing number of individuals and families who work hard but are still unable to afford their essential needs. The children of ALICE are especially affected when it comes to the lack of books in their homes because books are often viewed as a luxury when other family necessities are going unmet.
“We express our deepest gratitude to International Paper for the opportunity to collaborate in our shared commitment to promoting literacy among children in DeSoto Parish,” said Raavin Evans, UWNWLA Director of Community Impact. “Their impact will allow students to pick up a book anywhere in their community and comprehend the words on its pages.”
To learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, become a sponsor, or register your child, please visit https://unitedwaynwla.org/our-