After Dolly Parton's hometown was affected by wildfires last year, she wants to help other victims of devastating natural disasters. More here!
Last year, Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, was ravaged by a deadly wildfire. The effects were tremendous, leaving many families mourning the loss of loved ones, as well as the loss of property. The iconic country singer continues to pay it forward and has pledged to make a large donation to the One America Appeal for Hurricane Relief to “assist with immediate life-sustaining needs of those affected.” The organization was founded by the five living former presidents, George H. W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, to urge U.S. citizens to help their fellow Americans suffering losses from the hurricanes this year.
“After the tremendous outpouring of support my hometown received last winter after the wildfires raged through the area, I want to do my part to help other areas affected by natural disasters. I admire and respect this effort led by our Presidents so it is an honor for me to contribute to their work,” Dolly said.
However, money is not the only contribution the 71-year-old star is making. She is also donating 500,000 books to the affected areas. On top of that, she’s also paying the $90,750 shipping fee to get the books to children faster.
“I know in the immediate aftermath of a disaster books are not the first thing people need or miss. But I also know from our past experience that after some time has passed, families, schools and libraries are eager to replenish their shelves, and their hearts, with books. First Book asked us to join with them to get the right books in the right hands at the right time and we were pleased to do so,” Parton added.
Upon hearing about Dolly Parton’s collaboration with First Book, their Chief Operating Officer said, “Children in need in these communities often didn’t have the books they deserve even before the storm; our work has never been more important than it is right now. In times of crisis, books men stories at bedtime, adventures with trusted character friends, and opportunities to dream about a world far beyond your own front door. First book is thrilled to team up with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Penguin Young Readers to place so many new books in these children’s hands.”
A big shout-out to Dolly Parton for her continued generosity! Be sure to share this great news with other country music fans.