The passing of Dolly Parton has inspired millions around the world to celebrate her life and legacy. Mourners include fans of her music and acting, as well as people whose lives were touched by her Imagination Library.
In the Dayton area, that includes more than 46,000 children.
Sophia Ruigu, community engagement coordinator at Dayton Children’s Hospital, runs the Montgomery county chapter of the library. The library sends free books to families’ homes for children under the age of 5, with about 22,000 active participants in the county.
The figure represents about 70% of eligible children in the area.
“We do have a lot of kids enrolled,” she said. “I think we are in the top five in Ohio, of kids enrolling in this program.”
Ruigi said the library makes age-appropriate books accessible regardless of families’ financial status or transportation abilities. This is something she experienced firsthand when her daughter took part in the program.
“I learned about the program from the community, and it just put a smile on my daughter’s face because that’s how she started loving reading,” she said.
With these memories, Ruigi said that learning she would run the program was “an honor.”
There has been an influx of families signing up after Parton’s death, Ruigi said. There have also been anonymous donors supporting the library, joining the star’s support of childhood literacy.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone who have really supported us and continue to support us,” she said. “Our community partners that continue to spread the word and share about this program, we really appreciate all of that.”
Ruigi encourages anyone interested to follow the organization’s Facebook page.
Dayton is continuing to celebrate Parton’s life and career through upcoming community events, such as Beavercreek bakery Cake, Hope and Love holding a fundraiser on Sept. 25, or “9-2-5,” which some are calling Dolly Parton Day. For the day, 10% of proceeds will go to supporting the Imagination Library.
Regal Cinemas is showing two of her most famous movies Sept. 4-9, “Steel Magnolias” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” The theater says that 100% of proceeds will be donated to the library as well.
“It’s all about Dolly Parton’s legacy, and it’s continuing to live on,” said Ruigi. “People see Dolly Parton and associate her with the work she has done in promoting literacy to kids.”
Hannah Kichline, executive editor
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