Please help us to unlock a world of possibilities: Support Early Literacy!
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange County is eager to share information about a new program close to their hearts: the partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which promote early literacy. This incredible initiative delivers free, high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children's homes every month from birth until they start kindergarten.
At the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s 2025 Campaign Kick-off, Imagination Breakfast on September 18th United Way announced the expansion of the program into additional towns. The program is being offered by United Way in Orange County in Pine Bush, Crawford, Circleville, Montgomery and in Dutchess County in the towns of Amenia Wassaic, Millerton. Children in these areas can register to start receiving books. Go to www.uwdor.org/imaginationlibrary to register your child in the program.
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program. After launching in 1995, the program experienced rapid growth. First books were only distributed to children living in Sevier County, Tennessee where Dolly grew up. It became so successful that, in 2000, a national replication effort was underway. By 2003, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library had mailed one million books. It would prove to be the first of many millions of books sent to children around the world.
Dolly’s home state of Tennessee pledged to pursue statewide coverage in 2004 and global expansion was on the horizon. After the United States, the program was launched in Canada in 2006 followed by the United Kingdom in 2007, Australia in 2013 and the Republic of Ireland in 2019.
Empower Young Minds Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Jeannie Montano President and CEO of UWDOR shares this picture, “Imagine the excitement on a child's face when their very own book arrives in the mail, addressed just to them! These books aren't just entertainment; they are gateways to new worlds, tools for cognitive development and building blocks for a lifelong love of reading.”
United Way is seeking community support for this critical initiative. To donate or for more information go to uwdor.org/imaginationLibrary.
Every page turned, every story shared and every word learned builds a brighter future for children in our community.
Thank you to our Annual Sponsors:
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, Pratt & Whitney Advanced Coating Technologies, CDPHP, IBM, RBT CPAs, LLP, Resorts World, TD Bank, Ulster Savings Bank
Many thanks to our Media sponsors: iHeart Radio, K-104, Mid Hudson News, Pamal Broadcasting, Sunrise Media, Wall Radio and WGHT and WTBQ.
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About United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region works to ensure the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. In 2024-2025, charitable contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations to United Way’s Community Fund supported nonprofit partners in delivering services to 159,000 residents of Dutchess and Orange Counties. They invested $11,923,885 back into our community. For more information, go to www.uwdor.org.
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Our Mission
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is an independent, local organization dedicated to creating a stronger community by bringing people and resources together to address our most pressing challenges. We focus on education, income, and health to create lasting change that helps every person in our community reach their full potential.
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