The United Way Lloydminster is giving 16 months of support to ensure the books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library are mailed to kids on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster.
The funding is $16,500 to ensure the books are delivered to the kids mailbox.
“This program is something that the United Way is very excited to partner with the Learning Council. It just fits with what we represent and we are pleased to be able to provide some funding for this awesome program,” says Tammy Klotz, United Way Lloydminster.
The Lloydminster Learning Council has been coordinating the effort but needed a sponsor to keep the program which gets age appropriate books in the hands of children up to five years old.
“We’re incredibly grateful to United Way Lloydminster for stepping up to support children’s literacy through their generous donation to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, in partnership with the Lloydminster Learning Council Association,” says Amanda Lanoway, Regional Director with The Dollywood Foundation of Canada. “The way the community rallied when they learned the program was at risk truly shows how much this means to families in Lloydminster and the surrounding area. Thanks to individual donors who sponsored a month—and now, with United Way’s support—the 224 children currently enrolled (as of June 17) will continue receiving books without interruption and can look forward to enjoying them for the next three years.”
United Way’s generous gift will provide stable funding for children currently enrolled in the program, while still allowing organizers to pursue additional support to address the waitlist and explore expansion opportunities. The goal is to eventually serve children aged 0–5 on both sides of the Border City—reaching families in both Saskatchewan and Alberta.
“We’re grateful to the United Way for answering the call to help us continue this program for rural Saskatchewan families. We appreciate SaskPower for getting us started, and to the individual donors who helped us bridge the gap while we pursued long-term funding,” says Kimberly Englot, Program Director, Lloydminster Learning Council Association.
Englot is thankful for the support which allows them to provide the high-quality books free of charge to the children enrolled.
“While our waitlist remains large, we’re relieved and thankful to keep the program running—and deeply appreciative of the community that makes our literacy work possible.”
More information is available via Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Lloydminster or the Lloydminster Learning Council websites.
