Press Release

COLUMBIA CITY — United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties is launching a Whitley County chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, beginning Oct. 18.

Families can sign up any child under five years old who lives in Whitley County to receive a new book mailed directly to their home each month, until their fifth birthday.

“No child should grow up without books in their home,” said Darren Bickel, president of United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties. “The community has given this idea an incredibly warm reception and I believe we are going to connect with hundreds of families.”

The first part of the launch is the Visit Dolly – Whitley County Tour. A life-sized Dolly Parton cut-out will travel to local businesses to generate excitement and spread the word. The tour begins Oct. 20 and continues through Nov. 18.

Each weekend, a business will host Dolly and families will be able to:

• Take a picture with Dolly
• Receive a free book for kids under five years old.
• Learn how to sign up for the initiative.

For the full list of locations on the “Visit Dolly — Whitley County Tour” and to sign up a child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, go to United Way’s website.