Charlotte County Invited to Join 9 to 5 Day, as Dolly-inspired Sept. 25 celebration supports local kids.
The Gilstad Literacy Foundation and Charlotte County Imagination Library are calling on businesses, schools, government offices, organizations, and everyone in the community to join the first-ever “9 to 5 Day” on Friday, Sept. 25, in honor of Dolly Parton.
The date, 9/25, tips its hat to Dolly’s iconic song “9 to 5.” When local leaders found out that communities across the country were planning their own Dolly-inspired celebrations to recognize her life, philanthropy, and commitment to early childhood literacy, they knew Charlotte County had to be part of it.
“We saw people all over the country coming together to celebrate Dolly and support the missions she loved. Charlotte County should be part of that,” said Shawn Gilstad, founder of Charlotte County Imagination Library. “Dolly’s the reason we started this program almost 15 years ago. She’d want us to honor her by rolling up our sleeves and getting more books into kids’ hands.”
For 9 to 5 Day, workplaces can sign up for a “Dress Like Dolly Day.” Think of it as a blue-jeans fundraiser with a little sparkle. Employers register their workplaces, and employees who donate $9.25 to Charlotte County Imagination Library get to wear Dolly-inspired outfits to work. Pink, denim, rhinestones, butterflies, boots: if it shouts Dolly, it works.
But it’s not just about dressing up. Offices can decorate, share info about Imagination Library, post about the campaign on social media, help families enroll, make a group donation, organize reading activities, or even gather for a special 9:25 a.m. community moment. You don’t have to fundraise to take part.
Charlotte County Imagination Library, run by the Gilstad Literacy Foundation, is the local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program mails free, age-appropriate books every month to registered Charlotte County children from birth through age 5, helping families build a love of reading and boosting school readiness.
Right now, Charlotte County Imagination Library mails a free, age-appropriate book every month to 2,591 local children from birth to age 5. Since 2012, they’ve shipped out over 267,000 books, celebrated 10,464 program graduates, and served over 13,000 children. Local donations directly help make this possible.
“Dolly Parton proved that giving a child a book can change their life,” said Gaylin Morris, executive director of Gilstad Literacy Foundation. “Let’s have some fun, celebrate her legacy, and keep her mission for children alive right here in Charlotte County.”
Register your business or group at https://forms.gle/8Kak8u43oUxNPbdy5. When you register, CCIL and GLF will give you a shout-out, showcase your activities, give you campaign materials, and track community involvement.
To give $9.25 or more, visit www.gilstadliteracyfoundation.org. For details or to sign up a child, go to www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org.
9/25 meets “9 to 5.” Let’s celebrate Dolly and keep her legacy strong for kids in Charlotte County.
Click here to register.
