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Women’s
Initiative
of United Way mails 10,000th book to Toledo
children through Imagination Library
Special to The Truth
Women’s Initiative of United Way announces
more than 10,000 books have been mailed to Toledo children
through Imagination Library since January. The 10,000th
book will be delivered to four-year old Delaijah Lacey on
August 12, 2015.
Imagination Library sends one book each month directly to
the child’s home from birth until their fifth birthday at no
cost to the family. The program launched in August 2014 in
eight Toledo zip codes: 43604, 43605, 43606, 43607, 43608,
43609, 43610, and 43620.
The first books began arriving last January and more than
2,000 local children have enrolled in the program.
Women’s Initiative of United Way credits Mercy Health
Partners and ProMedica for supporting this rapid growth.
Both hospitals are assisting with infant registrations to
increase the program’s impact by providing longevity in the
program. Children enrolled from birth have the opportunity
to build a home library of 60 books. Imagination Library
volunteer, Jill Manzagol, was integral in initiating these
partnerships.
“The implementation of this process has been seamless thanks
to the caring members of Mercy's healthcare team. With a
mission to better the lives of women & children in our
community, Women's Initiative is grateful for the
monumental role Mercy has played in this program, “ stated
Jill Manzagol, Regional Manager at Mercy Health Physicians.
Families may also register online at unitedwaytoledo.org/imaginationlibrary
or by calling 2-1-1. Additionally, paper registrations are
available throughout the community at a variety of agencies
including Help Me Grow, Job and Family Services, and the
YMCA.
The cost of the program is just $25 per child per year.
Women’s Initiative of United Way is currently seeking
sponsorships for their fall event, A Night of Inspiration,
where all proceeds will benefit Imagination Library. A Night
of Inspiration: It’s Time. Reset! will feature
Pulitzer-nominated journalist and Oprah-recognized author,
Fawn Germer, who will inspire the audience to take charge
and make the changes they want and need. The event will be
held Thursday, October 22nd at 5 p.m. at The
Pinnacle. Tickets go on presale online for $35 on August 1st.
For information about sponsorships please email the
Women’s Initiative Manager, Nicole Candle, at
nicole.candle@unitedwaytoledo.org.
Women’s Initiative of United Way mobilizes
women to become leaders, philanthropists, and advocates on
issues that concern women and children. To learn how to get
involved, or to donate, visit womens-initiative.org. |
