🦋 Give Like Dolly Day in Dunlap – Support Free Books for Valley Children

Sequatchie Valley residents have a chance to celebrate Dolly Parton’s legacy of literacy while supporting local children through a community-wide fundraiser. On September 25, the Sequatchie County Public Library is joining thousands of communities nationwide for Give Like Dolly Day, a single-day campaign that funds Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a program that mails free books to registered children each month.

✨ What’s Happening

For a $9.25 donation, you’ll help cover half the cost of five books for a child in the Imagination Library program. 🎁 The campaign is simple, affordable, and directly supports early literacy in Sequatchie County. Local businesses are stepping up: Sequatchie Post has already pledged $20 and is calling on other community members and organizations to join in.

🗓️ When

Give Like Dolly Day takes place on September 25, 2026. The event encourages participants to dress in Dolly-inspired attire – think pink, cowboy hats, boots, and butterfly accessories – making it a festive, community-wide celebration of reading and generosity.

📍 Where to Donate

Seven local collection points are accepting donations throughout Dunlap:

• Sequatchie County Public Library
• Local Depot
• Andy’s Steakhouse
• Game Shack Cafe
• Fire Fly on Rankin
• Sequatchie Valley Brewing
• Cookie Jar Cafe

Stop by any of these neighborhood spots to make your donation and celebrate with neighbors who care about children’s futures.

❤️ Why This Matters

Early access to books shapes a child’s literacy, imagination, and academic success. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has mailed over 200 million free books to children worldwide since its founding. In Sequatchie County, this program reaches families who might otherwise struggle to afford books, leveling the playing field for young readers before they even start school. 📚 A $9.25 gift isn’t just a donation – it’s an investment in a child’s future and a reflection of the valley’s commitment to its youngest residents.

🤝 Community Connections

This campaign reveals how Sequatchie Valley businesses and organizations work together around shared values. Sequatchie Post‘s public pledge isn’t just a donation – it’s an invitation for other local employers, churches, civic groups, and families to join. When a local newspaper calls out a challenge like this, it often sparks a ripple effect: one business pledges, then another, then a family decides to contribute. The collection points span restaurants, cafes, breweries, and the library itself, making it easy for people to give while they’re already out in the community. 🌟

💡 What Residents Should Know

You don’t need to be a Dolly Parton superfan to participate – though dressing up in pink, cowboy boots, or butterfly-themed clothing adds to the fun and spreads awareness. Donations are accepted at all seven locations on September 25. If you can’t make it that day, contact the Sequatchie County Public Library to ask about extended giving options. Every dollar counts, and even small donations add up when the whole community pitches in.

🎯 Long-Term Community Impact

Give Like Dolly Day is more than a one-day fundraiser – it’s a reminder of why literacy matters in rural communities. When children receive books at home, they’re more likely to read, perform better in school, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Over time, this builds a more educated, engaged community. The campaign also strengthens local business relationships and shows children that adults in their town care enough to invest in their futures. 📖

❓ Questions Worth Asking

As you consider participating, think about these questions: How many children in Sequatchie County are registered with the Imagination Library? What would it mean for a child to receive a free book in the mail each month? How can local businesses and families work together year-round to support literacy? What other ways can the community invest in early childhood development?

Mark your calendar for September 25 and plan to stop by one of the seven collection points in Dunlap. Bring a friend, wear your favorite Dolly-inspired outfit, and help ensure that every child in Sequatchie Valley has access to the magic of books. 🦋📚