United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties

Inspire Lifelong Readers

This Give More 24! your gift goes twice as far! Thanks to a generous $50,000 matching challenge, every dollar you donate to United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be doubled — meaning twice as many books, and twice the joy for children in our community.

• Every $35 sponsors a child for a full year — that's 12 brand-new books, delivered monthly to their home.
• Books are free to families and mailed directly to children from birth to age five.
• Early literacy fuels brain development, builds confidence, and sets the stage for school success. 

Why It Matters — The Local Story

Right here in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties, far too many young children are growing up without access to books. 

• Nearly 36% of children under age 5 in our community live in households struggling to afford the basics — food, housing, and childcare.
• In rural communities like Ryderwood, Toutle, and Skamokawa, up to 89% of households are under economic strain.
• Books just aren’t in the budget — but they’re essential for a child’s development.

Over 3,400 Local Children Are Already Enrolled

Thanks to generous community support, over 3,400 children in our area are currently enrolled in the Imagination Library — receiving high-quality, age-appropriate books every month at no cost to their families.

But thousands more children are still waiting.

Your gift ensures every child, regardless of income or zip code, has the opportunity to grow up surrounded by stories and supported in their learning.

Our Goal: Raise $50,000 to Unlock the Match — $100,000 for Literacy!

• $35 = One Child, One Year of Books 
• Your gift is doubled during Give More 24! 
• Your donation helps us mail the next book tomorrow.

Give More Stories. Give More Imagination.