United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s Imagination Library Program recently received a $5,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation to support the local distribution of books. The program provides free, home-delivered books each month to local children ages birth to five. The funding will supply over 2,000 books to be distributed this year among the homes of 170 children in Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester Counties.
Michael Kilian of the Gannett Foundation shared, “Nothing can be more important to a news and information publisher than promoting literacy and a lifelong love of reading. The United Way’s Imagination Library Program does just that, on the Delmarva Peninsula and across the country. The Gannett Foundation is proud to support this innovative United Way program.”
Currently, Imagination Library has over 1,600 local children enrolled, 450 graduates and almost 26,000 books delivered to date. United Way Assistant Director Amy Luppens stated, “The incredible response to the program from the local community has been so uplifting and this grant will enable us to continue providing a positive, literacy-rich environment in children’s homes that will better prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. We are truly grateful to the Gannett Foundation for their support and investing in our community’s future with a program that inspires children to read and succeed.”
About the Gannett Foundation:
The Gannett Foundation supports local organizations in communities served by Gannett Co., Inc. The community action grant priorities include education and neighborhood improvement, economic development, youth development, community problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 70th year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 56 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester Counties. United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore helps Eastern Shore residents achieve educational success, income stability and good health. In 2013, United Way impacted local lives by providing over $1 million to community programs and helped over 70,000 individuals. To learn more about United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore visit www.unitedway4us.org or call 410-742-5143.
Photo Caption –
United Way Assistant Director Amy Luppens and Executive Director Kathleen Mommé accept a $5,000 grant for United Way’s Imagination Library from Nikki Iovacchini of the Gannett Foundation.
