Literacy is a skill that children begin to develop the moment they are born. Research shows a child’s brain will triple in size during their first three years of life. This makes this time period important for developmental growth in kids.
As a parent, a great way to help your child develop their literacy skills is by regularly reading them age-appropriate books. Unfortunately, building a library for a child can be expensive. In order to help promote a love of reading in local kids, Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital has partnered with the Woman’s Initiative – United Way of Greater Toledo to sponsor Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the entire Oregon City School District.
“Mercy Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of our community. One way we are doing that is by promoting literacy and providing reading resources to the future generations of Oregon,” says Ann Frahn, Director of Nursing at Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a program that mails free books to children from birth to age five in participating communities around the world. United Way of Greater Toledo brought this program to the community back in 2015. Currently, there are more than 5,000 local children enrolled. Now with help from Mercy Health, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available for the children in Oregon, OH.
“The deep ties and investment we have with the community will only be strengthened with this program,” Ann elaborates. “We are excited to be a part of something that promotes a great message and prepares kids for school. Also, it provides families with an additional opportunity to bond with their children.”
This program is an initiative that aligns with Mercy Health’s mission, values and promise. Literacy is an important skill that every child should have the opportunity to develop.
Mercy Health is proud to provide this opportunity to families in the Toledo area. We always look forward to opportunities to extending our compassionate services and bringing good help to those in need, especially those who are poor and underserved.
Visit Mercy.com to learn more about our focus on community impact.
