Joan Smith, President
The Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Foundation (GYPC Rotary Foundation) is now an official affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL). Dolly Parton started this program in 1995, and is currently mailing 1.5 million free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. “We’re excited to introduce this great program to families in the West Valley,” Joan Smith, president of GYPC Rotary said. “We are working with the Head Start programs and the libraries in Avondale, Goodyear, and Litchfield Park.”
The GYPC Rotary Foundation DPIL is working with Dr. Betsy Hargrove, superintendent of the Avondale Elementary School District, targeting children from birth to age five in the Avondale community. “The DPIL program is such a powerful way to engage children in early literacy and language development. Research has found that early indicators of success in reading are dependent on the number of books in the home, opportunities to be read to and engage with books. The DPIL program provides … a hand-selected, age-appropriate, high-quality book each month to our children up to the age of five setting them up for success! We are thrilled to be included in this opportunity!” Dr. Hargrove said.
In addition, Dr. Rachel Holmes, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), and Professor Teresa Crosno are developing a program to help the children improve their reading skills and provide a program for parents to show them ways to encourage their children to read, steps they can use to motivate their children, and the importance of reading on a daily basis. “It is our hope that this literacy program will reinforce the value of family participation in early literacy,” said Dr. Holmes.
The GYPC Rotary Foundation Imagination Library is free. It’s been proven that reading regularly to children during their preschool years will give them a big boost toward a successful education. As the program grows, it will be available for children in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to support this program by sending checks to Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Foundation-DPIL, 14175 W Indian School Road, STE B4 #219, Goodyear, AZ 85395. For more information on this program, contact Jim Frey at [email protected].
“Our club is dedicated to ‘Service Above Self’ and we partner with 1.2 million other Rotarians around the world who are committed to truth, fairness, goodwill, friendship, and enriching communities,” said Smith. The club meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8 a.m. in the Palm Room at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, contact Joan Smith at 623-698-0618 or [email protected].