Friends of Imagination Library committee members (l-r) Laura Pickett, Kathy Markel, Carol McLaughlin, Kim Wing and Annette Lock with Buckets for Books collection cans and books that will be distributed to area schools, libraries and businesses.
In observance of March is Reading Month, the Friends of Imagination Library are making plans for their Buckets for Books fundraising campaign. They’ll be placing donation buckets in local businesses, libraries and schools where patrons can make cash donations toward the program that mails free books to children from birth to age 5. Since Four County Community Foundation’s Friends of Imagination Library launched in 2021, this group of volunteers has helped provide books to more than 2,700 children in portions of Lapeer, Oakland and Macomb counties but they need the community’s help to keep this program going.
The Buckets for Books material will also include information that explains how donations can be made online and through other means.
“This campaign is an effort to build up our financial base,” said Friends of Imagination Library Committee Chairperson Kathy Markel.
“Interest among families for the Imagination Library program is strong and we need the community’s help to make it sustainable.”
Markel explains that Imagination Library founder Dolly Parton covers a portion of the cost to mail the books but relies on local affiliates, like 4CCF Friends group, to make up the remainder. Currently, the Four County Imagination Library Fund pays $2.60 per child each month. For donors looking to quantify their gift that means a donation of just $31 provides a year of reading for a child and a gift of $156 equals the cost of providing books to child enrolled in the program from birth.
“We would like to expand our outreach to social service agencies that help young families, but we don’t feel we can do that until we have sufficient funds,” Markel said.
In addition to traditional donations, the Imagination Library Fund can receive charitable distributions directed by an individual from their retirement fund.
The committee invites anyone with an interest in promoting early literacy to join them in their efforts. The group meets monthly at 4CCF’s office in Romeo. Members also welcome the opportunity to speak to community groups and service clubs about Imagination Library and the work their affiliate is doing.
“Donations of any kind and size are appreciated,” Markel said. “We certainly appreciate all our donors, many of whom have given regularly.
To donate, visit https://bit.ly/4CCFImaginationLibrary.
Four County Community Foundation is committed to serving the current and emerging needs of our local community. The foundation serves portions of Lapeer, St. Clair, Macomb and Oakland counties. To learn more about Four County Community Foundation, visit www.4ccf.org or call (810) 798-0909.