An avid reader and mother, Carolanne Kappus found that through Dolly Parton?s online Imaginary Library Foundation project her 16-month-old son Jack could receive free books delivered to him through his fifth birthday.
She was inspired by the program?s popularity and realized she could champion the country music icon?s cause by launching her own program in the Baltimore area.
In doing so, Kappus? Sweet Pea Foundation would become the first Imaginary Library program in Maryland. Her foundation would be among more than 600 programs nationwide.
Kappus, 42, of Forest Hill, and her husband, Mark, are planning a series of fundraisers to acquire the $1,500 needed to qualify their organization as a nonprofit. For more information, call Carolanne Kappus at 410-420-3957 or e-mail her at [email protected].
Carolanne Kappus talked to The Examiner about her plans for the Sweet Pea Foundation.
Q How did you find out about the foundation?
A I found out about it from my sister who lives in Tennessee. She knows I believe in reading, and she told me to look into Dolly?s project on the Internet.
Q How did you get started forming our own program?
A I got the information from Dolly?s Imaginary Library Web site and they put me in touch with a regional coordinator for the area.
Q Who supplies the books?
A They are supplied by the Penguin Books group and mailed directly from the Imaginary Library Foundation.
Q What kinds of books do the children receive?
A The books are theme-oriented and based on age level. The content includes nursery rhymes, self-help activities, poetry, riddles and jokes.
Q How will you get the children?s names and addresses?
A We will get that information during our fundraising events where parents will have the opportunity to register their children.
