The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has awarded a grant to the Gilstad Literacy Foundation to sustain the Charlotte County Imagination Library, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The funding ensures hundreds of children in Charlotte County will continue receiving a free, age-appropriate book each month, mailed directly to their homes to inspire early literacy and a love of reading.
The Imagination Library serves children from birth to age five by providing access to quality books that promote family reading time and kindergarten readiness. Each delivery encourages parent-child interaction while building vocabulary and comprehension skills critical for lifelong learning.
The grant will support the purchase and distribution of books to registered families, helping cover operational costs that keep the program active across the county. The Gilstad Literacy Foundation coordinates the initiative locally and works to expand participation among eligible families.
Founded in 1995, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation partners with donors and organizations to drive meaningful change throughout the region. The foundation has invested more than $610 million in education, health and human services, arts and culture, and environmental programs.
More information about Gulf Coast Community Foundation is available at GulfCoastCF.org.
