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Nonprofit hopes to bring Imagination Library to children throughout area

United Way of Greater Texarkana is leading an effort to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to children in Miller and Bowie counties.

Imagination Library sends a book a month to children up to age 5.

"The United Way is going to head it up and try to partner with different civic clubs," said Mark Bledsoe, CEO/president of United Way. A committee of United Way board members and other community representatives has been formed.

Bledsoe recently made a presentation to a local rotary club and has more presentations planned.

"We're going to put together some seed money. The committee will determine how much money. The more money that's raised, the more of the population that can be served," Bledsoe said.

Approximately 3,065 children in Miller County and 6,570 in Bowie County would be eligible to participate.

"Typically you get about 60 percent of those eligible who will want to participate, and the average cost is $25 per child per year or $125 for the duration of the program," Bledsoe said.

The average cost of a book through the program is $2.08. Imagination Library handles shipping directly to children and sends the overseeing organization a bill.

"I'm hoping to reach out to as many civic organizations as I can to raise funds, so we're not just trying to take care of this program for one year, but we're looking five to seven years down the road," Bledsoe said.

Initially, the program would start with just newborns.

"Once you take on that first year, you're responsible through age 5," Bledsoe said of the program's commitment.

There is already a lot of excitement about the program among community members who've heard the message. It's an excitement Bledsoe shares.

"If it just impacts a couple of lives it can pay for itself. I think it's a priceless program. I would encourage everyone to Google the Imagination Library and find out as much as they can about it. If it's something they feel strongly about, give us a call. We'd love to have their input, any churches or civic organizations," Bledsoe said.

Organizers are hoping to kick off Imagination Library locally Jan. 1.

"I am 110 percent on board with this project. I feel like it can make a huge difference in our area. It's a legacy program. All those that get involved are helping to plant those trees," Bledsoe said.

Imagination Library was launched in 1995 to benefit youth in Parton's home county in east Tennessee, according to the program's website. The country music star wanted to foster a love of reading by mailing age-appropriate, high-quality books directly to children, ensuring that they had books regardless of family income.

In 2000, Parton opened the program to any community that was willing to partner with her to support it. Since its inception, Imagination Library has mailed more than 80 million books to children in the U.S. There are more than 1 million children registered.

The program is in more than 1,600 communities nationwide, and statistics and independent reports indicate the program improves early childhood literacy.

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