United Way receives funds from Montgomery Foundation
COSHOCTON – The United Way of Coshocton got an early Christmas present when they received $25,000 from the Montgomery Foundation to sustain the free book program called Dolly Parton Imagination Library. More than 900 Coshocton children under the age of 5 are currently enrolled and receiving books every month in the mail.
Since the beginning of this program in 2008, the Montgomery Foundation has been a vital part of the funding of this program. Over the seven years it has been here, they have contributed $78,000 to ensure that children living in the county receive books so that they get an early start on reading and all that goes with it. Studies have now proven that children enrolled in this program for a period of two to three years will have higher kindergarten readiness scores than those not enrolled. Reading aloud to young children is not only one of the best activities to stimulate language and cognitive skills; it also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory.
Funding for this program has continued to be a challenge and the United Way board does allow donors to designate to the program if they desire. Another way to fund the program may be through a sponsorship program where individuals or businesses could sponsor a certain number of children. Currently the cost is about $25 per child per year. According to the most recent statistics, there are about 2,000 children living in Coshocton County under the age of 5 who are eligible for the program.
Other grant monies have come from various sources such as the Coshocton Foundation, Simpson Family Foundation, COTC, Clow (McWane) Foundation, Kiwanis, Rotary, FCFC, AEP Foundation, PNC Foundation, Kraft Foundation, Elks and the Dave Burns Fund.
If you would like to enroll your child, call the United Way office at (740)622-4567.
Category: Clubs & Organizations
