Nissan to help Mississippi preschoolers with $400,000 contribution to Dolly Parton Imagination Library Literacy program

Through a $400,000 kick-start grant, Nissan is working with United Way of the Capital Area to provide free books every month to 35,000 eligible Mississippi preschoolers from birth to age 5 through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.

Nissan is awarding the grant
as part of the celebration of its 10th anniversary of operations in Mississippi. The contribution enables United Way of the Capital Area to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program to include each child living in Hinds, Madison and Rankin County over the next five years.

"I am thrilled and thankful that United Way and Nissan are joining hands to bring Imagination Library to the kids of the Capital area. It takes special people to do special things and I know we are doing something special in Mississippi," said Dolly Parton, Country Music Legend and Founder of Imagination Library.

Imagination Library was created by country music legend Dolly Parton and is administered locally by United Way of the Capital Area. The grant announcement was made at the Mississippi Children's Museum in Jackson, Miss., in an event that included local parents and children, community leaders and Nissan employee volunteers.

"Nissan is committed to improving education programs and opportunities in Mississippi," said Nissan Director of Human Resources Jeffrey Webster. "As we celebrate our first 10 years of successful operations in Mississippi, we are pleased to stand with United Way and so many others who are committed to helping children prepare to succeed in school and in life."

Children throughout the three counties are eligible to participate in the program. Each month, an age-appropriate book will be mailed to participants giving them the potential to build a personal library of up to 60 books. Parents are encouraged to read the books with their children.

"Over the last decade, Nissan has demonstrated a focused commitment to our organization and the community at large," said Carol Burger, President and CEO of United Way of the Capital Area. "Today's announcement stands as further testament to Nissan's leadership and dedication to promoting educational advancement and will play a key role in securing the future success of our Mississippi youth."

Posted in: Carol Burger,Charity,Dolly Parton,Jeffrey Webster,Mississippi,Nissan,North America,United Way