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Imagination Library

UW-Whitewater Athletics is pleased to continue its partnership with the Whitewater LEADS non-profit organization to support children's literacy in the community at this Saturday's football game against UW-Eau Claire at 1 p.m. at Perkins Stadium.
 
Whitewater LEADS celebrated the kickoff of a partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library on October 25 with the help and support of the Whitewater Unified School District, UW-Whitewater, the Whitewater business community and the City of Whitewater. The project has received generous start up funding from United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties and the Greater Whitewater Committee, Inc. Warhawk Athletics and the Warhawk Leadership Academy continue to support and endorse this community outreach effort.
 
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a program offering free, age appropriate books to children every month from birth until they are five years old. The goal is to give parents the opportunity to read with their children while building strong connections and a love for reading.
 
Whitewater LEADS board member and vice president Dr. Jim Winship said, "When young children receive a book every month through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, research has found that the amount of time parents read to children increases, and children are more prepared when they start school."
 
A young child in the program could have up to 60 books in their personal library by the time they turn five years old. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library program supplies children with a variety of books from Blue Ribbon Selections, including some bilingual books for Spanish speaking households.
 
If a child is a resident of the Whitewater Unified School District, parents can submit a registration form by mail or online to enroll their child in the program. Paper registration forms can be downloaded in English and Spanish.
 
Jake Santellano, a Chancellor-appointed student representative on the Whitewater LEADS board and member of the men's soccer team, will help ensure the Warhawk Leadership Academy continues to support this important effort.
 
"It is very important for student-athletes to understand we are a part of a campus within the Whitewater community," said Santellano, who is also current co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. "We serve as important ambassadors in the community and look forward to continuing to support Whitewater LEADS and the City of Whitewater."
 
Whitewater LEADS members hope to see at least 30 percent of Whitewater children enroll within the first year of the program and receiving free books. More than 60 children have already enrolled in the first month alone.
 
Members of the Whitewater LEADS board will be recognized on the field in the second half of Saturday's game.
 
To register your child, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com and select the Whitewater Unified School District. Brochures and additional information will be available at the Irvin L. Young Library and Whitewater elementary schools.