Hospital supports early literacy effort

5 years ago

CARIBOU, Maine — United Way of Aroostook recently received a donation from Cary Medical Center in support of its Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  

The hospital has supported the book effort for several years and are the first hospital in 2019 to renew their commitment to the early literacy program.

Bill Flagg, director of public and community relations at Cary Medical Center, said, “Cary Medical Center is proud to help support the Dolly’s Imagination Library Program through the United Way of Aroostook. When children develop a love for reading at an early age, a strong foundation for their future is established and their likelihood for positive outcomes and success in life increase exponentially. We are thankful for opportunities to invest in the future of our Aroostook communities by supporting the young readers who will eventually become our community leaders.”

UWA has been coordinating this program since 2013 and is currently sending new books to nearly 2,300 Aroostook County preschoolers each month. The program is free to enrolled preschoolers and their families.

The medical center encourages and assists families with newborns to enroll.  Approximately 50 new babies are registered each month, many of whom are the hospitals’ newest deliveries.  

In the past, UWA officials said, they have been fortunate to receive support from all four County hospitals.  

United Way’s Board of Directors is committed to supporting this program, but are always looking for additional funding. For information about supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, contact UWA at 764-5197.