Wal-Mart Partners to Serve Children

On April 18, 2008, The Wal-Mart Foundation donated $3,000 to help Chesterfield County First Steps purchase books for disadvantage children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library early literacy program.  Pictured above are Chesterfield County First Steps Board Chairman John Gerstenmier, Wal-Mart Distribution Asst. General Manager Joe Steen and First Steps Executive Director Karen Odom.  ( Photo by Leighton Bell, editor The Link)

Chesterfield County First Steps to School Readiness has received $3,000 from the Wal-Mart Foundation in Pageland. First Steps will use the donation to purchase books for disadvantaged children through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library early literacy program. 

“Wal-Mart Distribution Center’s generosity will help us to continue to reach Chesterfield County’s young children, with tools and support to help them arrive at school ready for success,” said First Steps Director Karen Odom.  This shows that Wal-Mart recognizes the impact early intervention and the role it plays in preparing Chesterfield County's future citizens for the workforce and for life. 

Founded by Dolly Parton in 1988, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides age-appropriate books to children age birth to 5 years. Many children receiving books might not otherwise have quality books at their reading level in their homes. Children who are registered in their local communities are mailed one book per month through their fifth birthday.  The annual cost per child is only $30 or around $2.50 per month.   The initiative in Chesterfield County is supported solely by local funds.
 
Brain research shows that in the first three years of life, neural connections are formed that are crucial to brain development. Early experiences during these years shape the strength and functioning of children's brains. Quality experiences for all children, especially for at-risk children, can make a long-term difference in their ability to engage and learn. As such, this is the time when resources yield a high return on investment. In fact, a 2004 Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank study cites a $17 return for every $1 invested.

Chesterfield County First Steps’ goal is to raise $15,000 in the next few months to be able to continue the children currently on the program and to be able to reach other children who will be able to benefit from this program.  “Today is a great step toward that goal”, Odom continued.  “Partners like Wal-Mart help us reach children early when assistance makes the most impact". We continue to encourage individuals, businesses and the community to take advantage of this opportunity to help build children's foundation for reading by donating to the Imagination Library initiative. Every donation makes a difference in the life of a child." 

Click here to make your contribution. All donations are tax deductible. 

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