Washington County, OH – In a stroke of generosity, a local donor, who wished to remain anonymous, has donated enough money to register each child on Marietta Community Foundation’s current waiting list for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Recently, the Foundation published an article about a donation from Kiwanis of Marietta, OH, where 25 local children were registered for the DPIL from the Foundation’s waiting list. However, the donor learned that there were still 35 children awaiting their turn to receive the educational resources the DPIL Program provides… so they took action.

“I’ve said it many times before, but Washington County has the most generous people in the world,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of the Foundation. “We briefly mentioned in a press release that there were several more kids on our waiting list and a community member stepped up to meet the need.”

Now, thanks to the anonymous donor, the cost of a single year’s registration will be covered for each remaining child on the Foundation’s waiting list.

The DPIL is a book gifting program for children, ages birth to five years old. Registered children receive an age-appropriate, high-quality book delivered to their door each month. The cost per child each year they are eligible is only $25. This totals $125 if the child is registered during the full term of eligibility.

As the Washington County affiliate for DPIL, Marietta Community Foundation works to increase both registrations and funding for the program. The Foundation currently serves approximately 30% of Washington County’s eligible population, but they hope to continue expanding the program to serve more children.

“Our goal is to have a sustainable program for the children of Washington County,” said Mason Beuhring, Communications & Program Services Director at the Foundation. “Every donor who contributes and every dollar raised takes us one step closer to that goal.”

To continue taking steps toward that goal of sustainability, the Foundation is offering a chance for local donors to engage the program on a ‘sweeter’ level.

Throughout May, donors who contribute to the Foundation’s Imagination Library Program will be entered for a chance to win two pints of a specialty flavored ice cream made in honor of Dolly Parton and her Imagination Library. Famous ice creamery, Jeni’s out of Columbus, OH, recently launched a limited run of a custom flavor called “Strawberry Pretzel Pie.”

Each order came with a specialty poster depicting a cartoon of the famous country music star/philanthropist. The flavor was in such high demand, that Jeni’s website experienced a crash due to the high influx of web traffic. The Foundation was able to be among the lucky few who received an order.

Donations to the DPIL Program can be made through the Foundation’s website, www.mcfohio.org/donate, donors can stop in during their normal business hours, or checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 77, Marietta, OH 45750. Each $25 donation will give the donor an entry to win the contest.

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives. If you would like to offer long-term and/or short-term support for the Foundation’ Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.