HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) — The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County has received an anonymous $250,000 donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library that was matched, creating a $500,000 permanent fund for the program.

According to a social media post on Friday from the Foundation, the endowment will grow over time and is expected to cover all program expenses, ensuring no child is left waiting for books. The local branch covers the cost of wholesale books and shipping, benefiting 3,000 children under 5 years old.

With the 50% additional state funding for the program, the Foundation has managed to distribute over 60,000 books with 50% additional state funding for the program. They also aim to raise $1 million to sustain the program and are asking for the community’s help.

This initiative of the Community Foundation provides free, personalized, monthly books to children, promoting reading, respect, and self-esteem while helping families build a home library of up to 60 books. All children under 5 years old in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County are eligible for the program.

The program is a partnership between The Community Foundation and the Dollywood Foundation.