MONTEREY COUNTY — The Dollywood Foundation has designated Sept. 25 as Give Like Dolly Day, an annual initiative encouraging people to support children’s literacy and local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs.
The date, 9-2-5, is a nod to one of Dolly Parton’s international hits and honors her lifelong commitment to helping children develop a love of reading.
California also officially designated Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day through Senate Bill 931, jointly authored by state Sens. John Laird and Shannon Grove. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law on Monday.
The Imagination Library provides children from birth through age 5 with a free, high-quality book mailed directly to their homes each month. Local program partners raise funds, build community support and coordinate efforts to ensure children have access to the program.
“For Dolly, giving was always personal and from her heart,” said Jeff Conyers, president of the Dollywood Foundation. “She believed deeply in helping people, especially children, and she always felt if you are in a position to help, you should help.”
Conyers said Give Like Dolly Day is intended to encourage people to support their local Imagination Library partners and other nonprofits that serve children.
In Monterey County, the Imagination Library launched in June through a collaboration between First 5 Monterey County, Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative and Bright Futures Education Partnership, with seed funding from Taylor Farms.
Funding covers the wholesale cost of books, mailing, outreach and local program implementation.
Three months after its launch, more than 15% of Monterey County children were participating in the program, according to organizers. More than 3,800 children were receiving a new book in the mail each month, putting the program on track toward its goal of reaching 20% of county children during its first year.
The program offers culturally appropriate books in English or bilingual English-Spanish editions.
“We are incredibly proud that we can offer culturally appropriate books in English or bilingually in English and Spanish to every child in our county,” said Francine Rodd, executive director of First 5 Monterey County. “And we would love for everyone to spread the word to help us reach 100% of the children and to donate, if they can, to keep the program going.”
Tony Amezcua, director of Bright Futures Education Partnership, said his children receive books through the program and that reading has become a family activity.
“As a parent, I see firsthand what receiving these books means,” Amezcua said. “Every month, my kids run to the mailbox waiting for their book. It is a family affair.”
Sonja Kohler, director of Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Development Initiative, said the program helps support children’s development and education while strengthening connections among families and community organizations.
“Every book is another opportunity to grow, learn and connect,” Kohler said. “Literacy begins before a child enters a classroom.”
Residents can participate in Give Like Dolly Day, which will be observed annually on Sept. 25, by enrolling a child in the Imagination Library, helping a family member or neighbor sign up, donating to support the local program or sharing information about the initiative on social media. Community members can also share how they are giving back using the hashtag #GiveLikeDolly.
Donations to support Monterey County’s Imagination Library can be made through the Community Foundation of Monterey County at give.cfmco.org/campaign/812237/donate.
