ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Only one week remains in United Way of Southeast Minnesota’s second annual spring fundraiser for its operations of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

United Way has a goal of raising $34,000 more by Apr. 30 to support the distribution of books to local children. United Way said more than 42,000 free books found their way into the homes and to around 3,500 children last year.

“My daughter always loved getting the books in the mail. She would want to open it up and read it right away!” one local mother shared, whose daughter recently aged out of the program. “She’s starting to be able to read some of her favorites to me now, which is a full circle moment.”

United Way said it has partnered with the nationwide Imagination Library program to distribute free, and age-appropriate books to children aged 0-5 years for nearly two decades.

Lastly, United Way is also hosting a family-oriented event on Sunday, Apr. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the United Way Services Building parking lot. The event will feature free books, story time, kids activities and more.

That event is free to attend.

Find stories like this and more, in our apps.