A local Estate that wished to remain anonymous has sponsored the cost of books for the Hawkins County Imagination Library for the month of March.  Due to this person’s generosity, over 1400 Hawkins County children under the age of 5 received an age-appropriate, free book.

"I believe the books of The Imagination Library are a wonderfully effective way to provide our children the strong foundation – basic literacy – they need to succeed. In reading, sharing and enjoying these books, our children develop basic literacy skills that will open doors for them throughout their lives, whatever they choose to do or wherever they go.  Developing literacy in a child’s very early years is a “must” in creating the momentum they need to continue growing and developing throughout their school years and into adulthood. If a child doesn’t have this strong foundation when they start school, it will be difficult or impossible for them to ever catch up with their better prepared classmates. I urge everyone to join me in supporting the Hawkins County Imagination Library. It’s hard to imagine a better investment in the future of our kids." 

Bruce Dane of Sekisui TA

"We are proud to support Hawkins County Imagination Library because it is a wonderful program to promote not only kids’ love of books, but parents’ love of reading to their children."

Brenda Frazier, Rogersville Wal*Mart Store Manager

Dennis Wagner, AT&T Regional Director-External Affairs, presented a $3,000 donation to support the Hawkins County Imagination Library.

"AT&T emphasizes the importance of education through its charitable giving programs.  We've been involved with Imagination Library efforts across the state of Tennessee.  What better way to support education than to get children reading at an early age.  Thanks to Hawkins County Mayor Crockett Lee for bringing this program to our attention."

AT&T has been equally supportive of other Hawkins County projects.  Recently, AT&T presented a contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawkins County in support of the club's Power Hour homework study program.  And, last year, AT&T gave a grant towards the restoration of Hale Springs Inn.

As a father, I understand the value of reading to our children.  The bond that is created when a parent or grandparent and child take the time to sit together and read creates a very important emotional bond. There is an educational component involved in reading to pre-schoolers.  I think every teacher would agree that children who are read to on a regular basis in their home are more prepared for kindergarten.The Rotary Club of Rogersville is proud to be a contributing community partner to benefit the children of our community through the Imagination Library. We are excited to participate with the Imagination Library as it will benefit the children in our community for years to come.

Fred Pelle, Rotary Club President

"Our Bank’s commitment is to insure that students have the necessary reading skills for a good start to their education, and to instill a love for reading and learning that will help them throughout their academic careers and vocations. We believe in the future of our Country and our children."

Reed Matney, President and CEO

Citizens Bank of East Tennessee

David Luttrell of @Work Business Services was our June Sponsor of the Month.

His continued generosity is inspired by a desire to help our community.  “I’m happy to donate to the Imagination Library in order to help kids learn how to read, and to help promote literacy in Hawkins County.”

“Reading opens up the imagination and takes children to places they may never really get to go.  Making Reading fun at an early age like Imagination Library does plays a very important part in keeping them interested in a good education.  I enjoy reading to my own children and will truly be excited the day they start reading to me.  I’m grateful that you offer this resource to the community...”

“AT & T is pleased to make this contribution to the Hawkins County Imagination Library. It is a wise use of funds anytime we can encourage children to start reading at an early age to develop reading comprehension and critical thinking skills to give them a solid foundation to life long learning.”

Accepting the $3000 check on behalf of the Imagination Library from Alan Hill, far right, are County Mayor Crockett Lee, Rogersville Vice-Mayor Philip Beal, State Representative Mike Harrison, and Rotary President and Imagination Library Treasurer Kay Wilson.