MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Monongalia County women’s group is looking to ease the access of books to local children.
In a partnership with United Way, Women United will be holding the “Power of the Purse” fundraiser at the Waterfront Marriott to fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program.
The purses, which were donated by various members of the community, will be auctioned off as part of the fundraiser. Lydotta Taylor, who co-chairs the Women United Affinity Group, said local support has been outstanding.
“We have really just had great support from the community with purses donated, individuals making donations,” she said Monday on WAJR’s Morgantown AM. “It really should be an enjoyable evening and it’s for such a good cause because the funds go to the books for the children in our community.”
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program is a nationwide program that focuses on giving local children more ways to read. Currently with 800 children enrolled within Monongalia County, the program brings the library to you by having books delivered to your home.
“It’s a really fantastic program that allows children ages 0 up to 5 to receive a brand new book in their mailbox every month,” said Ashley Hardesty-Odell, Women United Affinity Group Co-Chairperson.
Any Monongalia County family with children up to 5 years old are eligible for the program, regardless of income.
The fundraiser will have plenty of activities throughout the night. Along with the opportunity to win purses worth up to $500 in value, the fundraiser will have food and a special guest speaker.
Author and television personality Emily Calandrelli, who hails from Morgantown, will speak.
“We’re just so happy to have this Morgantown native, coming home, sharing with us, and really helping promote the importance of reading and literacy in our community,” Taylor said.
Tickets to the event are currently on sale for $100 with all proceeds going towards the program in Monogalia County. Each ticket purchased will be able to provide children involved in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun, it’s a great cause, it’s just a nice way for the community to come together and support the children,” she said.
The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.