The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a literacy program that provides free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, promoting a love for reading and early childhood development. Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995, the program aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading by mailing a carefully selected, age-appropriate book to registered children each month, regardless of family income. By making books accessible, the Imagination Library supports language skills, literacy, and brain development, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond. Today, the program serves millions of children across multiple countries, bringing joy and learning right to their doorsteps.
Our Programs
The Back-to-School Energizer Program provides students with free haircuts as they prepare to start a new school year. This initiative helps students look and feel their best, boosting their confidence and self-esteem as they return to the classroom. By partnering with local barbershops, salons, and volunteer stylists, the program ensures that students of all ages have access to this essential service, regardless of financial constraints. Through the Back-to-School Energizer Program, students can begin the school year with a fresh start, feeling empowered, focused, and ready to learn. This is a partnership between the United Way of Greater Hazleton, the Hazleton Area School District and the Hazleton Police Department.
The Badges and Books Program is a United Way of Greater Hazleton community initiative that brings together local law enforcement, emergency responders and children to foster a love of reading and building positive relationships. Through this program, police officers and other first responders will keep books in vehicles to provide an opportunity to foster a love of reading and a supportive hand out to children who may be facing emergency situations. Police and EMS personnel are encouraged to inspire children by randomly giving away books in everyday situations, as well. This will work to develop reading skills, while also creating meaningful connections between young community members and local law enforcement and EMS personnel. This program not only promotes literacy but also builds trust, understanding, and a sense of community.
The Nurse’s Pantry Program is an initiative designed to support students’ health and well-being by ensuring they have access to essential items that may not be readily available at home. Through partnerships with schools and local organizations, the program provides nurses with a stocked supply of items like hygiene products, clothing, snacks, and school supplies. These resources help meet immediate needs, allowing students to focus on their education and stay engaged in school. By offering this additional support, the Nurse’s Pantry Program promotes a healthier, more inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
The Stuff the Bus Program aims to support students in our community as they return to the classroom each year. We provide essential school supplies, backpacks, and other resources to all children – with no regard to financial situation – , ensuring they have everything needed to succeed. This program doesn’t just offer tools for learning; it empowers students to start the year with confidence and excitement. Through the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we work to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity, helping children focus on what truly matters—their education, growth, and future.
