FRANKLIN — The Imagination Library of Johnson County is hoping to reach 800 kids in Greenwood on a waitlist, but the not-for-profit needs to raise thousands of dollars to make that happen.
Sam and Sara Kinder live in Franklin and both of their daughters Charlotte and Madlyn are enrolled in the program.
Storytime before bedtime is routine for both girls who have a long list of favorite books.
“They read to me before bed,” Charlotte said.
She says she likes books because “it helps me learn.”
Every day around 7:30 p.m., the family gathers in the living room to wrap up the day.
“It allows us to have fun. They like to read. They like to read before bed. It's fun, " Sam Kinder, Charlotte and Madlyn's father, said.
The Kinder sisters receive a free book every month as part of the Imagination Library program started by music superstar Dolly Parton.
The program covers kids up to five years old. Over five years, a child could expect to receive 60 books.
Parton's foundation works with local chapters like the one in Franklin to cover the costs of the books and mailing.
Sara makes it a point to tell her pregnant friends about the value of the library. She knows it helps with academic and personal growth.
"Charlie has a big vocabulary and we definitely attribute that to us reading to her," Sara said. "It's fun to get in the mail, get new ones and be surprised. We love it. "
The Board President of the Imagination Library of Johnson County is Susan Crisafulli. She’s well aware of the demand on the programs as an extra 800 kids from Greenwood looking to tap into the program.
“Children who learn to read fluently and succeed academically are more likely to graduate high school, less unlikely to be unemployed, less likely to live in poverty, and less likely to be incarcerated, and more likely to have good healthcare access,” Crisafulli said.
The group is seeking to raise more money to expand its reach.
Imagination Library of Johnson County is hosting a fundraiser this Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church at 9 a.m and 11 a.m.
-
Public hearing set on increase in Indiana’s bobcat hunting and trapping quota
The Indiana Natural Resource Commission will have a public hearing on a proposal to increase the number of bobcats that are allowed to be recreationally trapped or trophy hunted in 40 counties.
Defending Indy 500 champion Alex Palou fastest on first day of practice
All 33 drivers got on the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first day of practice for the Indianapolis 500.
Ted Nugent to perform at Brown County Music Center in July
Brown County Music Center will be hosting Ted Nugent, who is making a tour stop on July 23 in Indiana.
Indiana State Fairgrounds to host 2nd Indianapolis Pizza Festival
Many of Indiana’s top pizzerias will come together on October 17 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the Indiana State Fair’s second Indianapolis Pizza Festival.
