Every month, 861 pre-school children in Covington County receive a gift in the mail – a hardback book.

But the package is so much more. It is also an invitation for the child to spend time reading with an adult, learning new concepts, and fostering literacy. It is possible because of the efforts of the Covington County Imagination Library, which is affiliated with the international Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, Imagination Library founder Dolly Parton wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Moreover, she could ensure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income.

The program is only need-based if you believe, like we do, that every child has a need for quality reading material that stretches the limits of imagination. Every child in Covington County is eligible to receive a book each month of his life. A parent only needs to register a child for the books to be sent. Parents of those children born at Andalusia Health may sign up before they leave the hospital, and those who give birth elsewhere may register online through the national Dolly Parton web site.

Covington County continually proves itself to be a generous community, as evidenced by its support of this program. The organization has set its only annual fundraiser for April 29, when it will host its annual Little Black Dress event.

Tickets for the Little Black Dress Event, which are $100, may be purchased at Harold’s Furniture, 526 E. Three Notch Court, Andalusia. The purchase buys a woman a “girls’ night out,” complete with dinner and entertainment, and also supports a most worthy cause.

The group also accepts contributions, and is collecting items for its silent auction.

We hope you’ll join us in supporting this organization, and investing in the futures of youngsters.