“I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give'em yours!” ~Dolly Parton
The scent of turkey is starting to permeate the house as I pluck at letters to make words with only the twinkling tree and computer screen lighting my way across the keyboard. I’m waiting for the rest of my family to wake up. Today is Thanksgiving! With abundant gratitude I reflect on my blessings. I am grateful for my husband of 21 years, my precious daughter, my Mom and Dad, my two brothers, my 4 nieces and 4 nephews, in-laws, extended family members in America and Italy, and friends. I am especially grateful during this health crisis for my own good health, and the health of my family and friends. I am grateful for my students, colleagues, and work. I have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Before the day is over, people will start holiday shopping. Gift exchange season is upon us. This year might look different for many of us because of the global pandemic and health crisis. Instead of giving and receiving presents in person, many will be going to our mailbox and using postal and delivery services for exchanging holiday presents and cards.
Parents and children in the US and other countries will be going to their mailbox and they will receive presents from the musician - Ms. Dolly Parton. The gifts she gives children every month are…BOOKS! Glorious books! The Imagination Library is a foundation that Dolly started in honor of her Father.
For over 20 years, the Imagination Library gifts children with books once a month. A personalized book with the child’s name is mailed to their family’s home. Children continue to receive these monthly books from birth until they go to Kindergarten. Dolly’s early literacy gift can help children learn language, letter sounds, story elements, and so much more.
I got to talk with Mr. David Dotson, CEO of the Imagination Library, on a recent episode of the BUTTERCUP podcast. Check it out and hear what he said about Dolly’s wish, where the logo from the library comes from, how Dolly and David work with authors and publishers to deliver books to children, pursuing a career in the non-profit world, and the story of the Imagination Library. There will also be a premiere of the Imagination Library documentary on Dec. 9th at 7pm on Facebook that Mr. Dotson shared on the podcast. Mark your calendar.
David Dotson, CEO of Imagination Library
This season I am so grateful for gift givers, like Dolly and David, and want to be sure to communicate my gratitude. Time for me to start writing my THANK YOU letters to David Dotson, Dolly Parton, and the Imagination Library team who give the gift of early literacy to children. Thank you for your thoughtful and generous gift of books. Thank you all so much!
Dolly Parton, Founder of Imagination Library