Washington County, OH — Inspired by the Belpre Rotary Club, Peoples Bank has elevated its support of the Washington County Imagination Library program, ensuring that over 100 local children receive a full year of books.

The contribution was sparked by a question asked by Linda Robinson, a dedicated member of the Belpre Rotary Club, during a presentation highlighting the positive impact of the Peoples Bank Foundation. Robinson expressed concern over the 101 children on the waiting list for the local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.

In a heartwarming response, Kevin Eagan, Chief Marketing Officer at Peoples Bank, swiftly pledged their support, saying, "Yeah, we can take care of that." As a result, a generous donation of $2,525 was presented to Marietta Community Foundation at the subsequent Rotary Club meeting.

As the Washington County affiliate, Marietta Community Foundation plays a pivotal role in the program, contributing approximately $25 per child per year to cover book and mailing costs, while actively promoting enrollment. The total cost of a child's enrollment depends on the number of months until their fifth birthday, with a registration cost of $125 for those registered at birth.

Thanks to this sponsorship, 101 children will now receive a complete year of books, elevating Peoples Bank to a leader-level sponsor from their previous $1,000 friend-level sponsorship.

Reflecting on the partnership, Eagan stated, "Peoples Bank is dedicated to improving our communities, and we recognize that reading is a fundamental building block for a successful education. Supporting the Imagination Library in providing books to children in Washington County aligns perfectly with our mission. We extend our gratitude to Marietta Community Foundation, Belpre Rotary, and the Imagination Library Program for their exceptional work right here in the MOV."

The Imagination Library program, established by Dolly Parton in 1995, is a renowned book-gifting program that offers free books to children from birth to age five. The program is supported by funding from Dolly Parton herself and local community partners. It began in her home county and has now expanded to five countries, having delivered over 204 million books to young readers.

To enroll a child in the Washington County Imagination Library program or make a donation, please visit www.mcfohio.org/imagination-library for more information.