Funds raised will support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in the Midlands to purchase new, age-appropriate books for children under age 5. Studies show that book intervention programs are most effective in low-income communities, which are particularly vulnerable to the life-long consequences of a poor home literacy environment in early childhood. Therefore the majority of the families we serve are referred to us by social service agencies in the Midlands. 27% of first graders in the Midlands lack the basic learning skills to master the material they will need to succeed at this grade level. Children who read do better in school and do better in life. We are inspiring young children with a love of reading and the potential for succeeding.