Spherion Staffing & Recruiting of Champaign County Celebrates 45 Years by Supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

In Partnership with United Way of Champaign County, the September Initiative Helps Expand Access to Free Books for Local Children from Birth Through Age Five

SAVOY, Ill. – As Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) of Champaign County celebrates 45 years of serving the community, the local business is partnering with United Way of Champaign County throughout September to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program. The program provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age five. 

As part of the initiative, Spherion of Champaign County is inviting community members to celebrate its milestone by making a $45 donation to sponsor one child's books for an entire year. Families with eligible children are also invited to visit the Spherion office in Savoy to pick up a complimentary bookmark with information about enrolling in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. 

"The people of Champaign County have been at the heart of everything we've done since opening our doors,” said Cindy Somers, franchise owner of Spherion Champaign County. “We've always believed that when you invest in people, you strengthen your community. That’s why creating opportunity starts long before someone applies for their first job. It starts with giving children the confidence to learn, grow and dream. Supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is one more way we're investing in the future of the children, families and community we're proud to call home."

Since its launch in 1995, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has gifted more than 280 million books to children around the world, helping foster a love of reading during the critical early years of childhood. Locally, the program is made possible through United Way of Champaign County and the generosity of local donors and community partners, ensuring eligible Champaign County families can participate at no cost.

“We are proud to share that 3,483 children are currently enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across Champaign and Douglas counties. Providing these free books to children and their families is an important role we can play to support youth literacy and early childhood development,” said Beverley Baker, CEO and President of United Way of Champaign County. “Our participating families share how their children delight in receiving special books each month and how the program has helped increase the amount of time they spend reading together."

Community members interested in supporting the initiative can make a donation through Spherion's online fundraising page. Families with children from birth through age five can also enroll in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to receive free monthly books delivered directly to their homes. Complimentary bookmarks with enrollment information are available at Spherion's office, located at 1805 Woodfield Drive in Savoy.

To learn more about Spherion in Champaign County, visit www.spherion.com/champaigncounty.