Local businesses supporting local babies

“YOU can never get enough books into the hands of enough children,” says Dolly Parton, and thanks to several generous local businesses, more young readers in the Dungog Shire are getting just that.

Dungog Early Literacy is celebrating the growing success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has now delivered more than 264 million free books to children under five around the world.

Since launching locally last year, the Dungog program has seen over 90 babies receive a brand-new book in the post each month, delivered free of charge to their letterbox until they turn five.

This important early literacy initiative is being actively supported by local business sponsors: Evergreen Bean, Dungog Wholefood Co-op, The Mutual Bank, and Pathways Integrative Health.

Each has committed to sponsoring local children enrolled in the program, and proudly displays a Dungog Early Literacy window sticker designed by volunteer Anne Fisher.

“Local business support means local kids benefit, and we’re so grateful to the Dungog businesses who’ve come on board,” said Anne Higgins from Dungog Early Literacy.

Research shows that early access to books and regular reading supports language development, school readiness, and lifelong learning.

With growing enrolments, the need for funding is also growing.

It costs $108 per year for each child to receive books through the Dungog program, and both individual and business sponsors are needed to ensure that no child misses out.

Dungog Early Literacy also acknowledges the valued support of other sponsors outside the shire, who continue to make this program possible.

If your local business would like to help change a child’s life through the joy of reading, contact Anne Higgins at: dungogearlyliteracy@gmail.com.

As Dr Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you go.”

By Shannon BENTON