Families across Dumfries and Galloway are enjoying a story with a happy ending after receiving free books throughout 2024.
Wheatley Foundation has provided over 6500 free books through its partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The Foundation, part of Wheatley Group, arranges for free high-quality, age-appropriate books to be sent directly to the homes of children under the age of five.
Since November last year, Wheatley Foundation has supported 572 children from disadvantaged families and gifted 6568 books to communities in the south of Scotland, east and Glasgow.
Professor Paddy Gray OBE, Chair of Wheatley Foundation, highlighted the importance of this initiative. He said: “Access to books and early reading experiences are crucial for a child’s development. Our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides children with the resources they need to thrive and encourages regular family time too.”
Children across Scotland have received more than 38,000 free books since the partnership began in 2016.
By delivering books directly to children, the Foundation aims to bridge the educational gap and support parents in creating a nurturing reading environment at home.
Wheatley Homes South customer Catherine Harvey lives in Lockerbie with her three-year-old twins, Max and Madeleine. She said:
“The twins receive two books from the Foundation and we all love reading together. They enjoy having their own copies to look after, which makes it extra special.
“It’s so important to me to nurture a lifelong love of books and reading in my children, and receiving these books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library makes every new book feel like an exciting event.”
Families benefiting from this programme includes Wheatley Homes Glasgow, Wheatley Homes East, Wheatley Homes South, and Loretto, as well as customers supported by Wheatley Care.
Wheatley Foundation offers support to tenants through various initiatives, including welfare benefits advice, employment opportunities, and essential services.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was set up by the singer in 1995, helping children in the United Kingdom, Ireland, US, Canada, and Australia. Nearly 200 million free books have been donated by the country music legend.
