Southern Illinois communities to celebrate ‘9 to 5 Dolly Day’

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) — Read SI and communities across southern Illinois will celebrate Dolly Parton’s music, philanthropy and commitment to childhood literacy during “Dolly Day” on Friday, Sept. 25.

The celebration will focus on values associated with Parton, including service, generosity, compassion and the importance of early literacy.

Parton’s Imagination Library mails free, high-quality books each month to children from birth to age 5. In southern Illinois, more than 11,000 children have participated in the program and received over 160,000 books during the past two years.

Organizers hope Dolly Day will raise enough money to enroll 925 additional children in the program. It costs $16 to sponsor one child.

“Dolly Day is more than a celebration of an icon — it’s a call to action,” said Matt Nation of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation.

“By coming together in Dolly’s honor, we can share her values of kindness and generosity while ensuring every child has the gift of books in their home,” said Beth Spezia of the Read SI Steering Committee.

Individuals, libraries, schools, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate by organizing activities inspired by Parton. Suggested activities include wearing colorful or country-inspired clothing, hosting read-a-thons, holding children’s story hours and organizing “Dine for Dolly” fundraisers.

Schools and workplaces can also hold kindness challenges, while restaurants can donate a portion of their sales to the Imagination Library. Businesses may match employee and customer contributions or collect donations throughout the week.

Specially designed Imagination Library T-shirts are also available. Businesses that place orders by Sept. 14 may have their logos added to the back of the shirts.

Mayors are encouraged to issue proclamations recognizing Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in their communities.

More information about local events, donations and ways to participate is available at readsi.org.