Fayette EC Community Reinvestment Grant Supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program

Fayette Electric Cooperative’s Community Reinvestment Grant Program has awarded $10,000 to the Greater Fayette Community Foundation for the Fayette Electric Cooperative Charitable Donor-Advised Fund, supporting the continued growth and sustainability of Fayette Electric Cooperative’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. 

The literacy initiative provides free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age 5 throughout Fayette Electric Cooperative’s service area. Through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Fayette Electric Cooperative Charitable Fund, books are mailed directly to enrolled children at no cost to their families.

With support from this grant, Fayette Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce that the program has expanded to serve children living in the Hallettsville zip code 77964, the Plum zip code 78952, and the Warda zip code 78960. This expansion will allow more local families to receive free books each month while helping young children build strong literacy skills and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Launched in 2022, the program was established to improve early childhood literacy and foster a lifelong love of reading, particularly in rural communities where access to educational resources may be limited. Since its inception, the program has expanded significantly, distributing thousands of books to local children and families. Today, 579 children are enrolled in the program, and 319 have successfully graduated.

Grant funding will be used to purchase and distribute books for enrolled children, helping ensure the program's sustainability and continued growth. A $10,000 grant will provide books for participating children for up to eight months, supporting uninterrupted access to reading materials during critical developmental years. 

“Every child deserves the opportunity to develop a love of reading, regardless of their family's income or where they live,” said Ashleigh Parks. “The Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program helps build strong literacy foundations by placing books directly into the hands of children and encouraging families to read together. We are grateful for the support that allows us to continue expanding this opportunity for local families and investing in the future of our communities.”

The program's impact extends beyond literacy by strengthening family engagement through shared reading experiences and helping prepare young children for success in school. By removing financial barriers and promoting a culture of learning at home, the initiative contributes to long-term educational achievement and community well-being. 

“Supporting young children and families is one of the most meaningful investments we can make as a cooperative,” said Tracy Denton, director of marketing, communications & training for Fayette Electric Cooperative. “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is creating lasting benefits throughout our service area by promoting early literacy, strengthening family connections, and helping children enter school ready to learn. We are proud to support a program that is making such a positive impact on hundreds of local families.”