|
August 9, 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Healthy Kids Day and Family Fest FREE
Conbraco Park, Pageland
Click here to learn more.
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.
Free 4-Year Kindergarten Slots
Available
|
