Newborns at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center will receive one book per month for the first five years of their life as a result of a collaborative effort of the United Way of Reno County, the Dolly (Parton) Foundation and the hospital.

Kevin Miller, the President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the hospital is a longtime supporter of literacy efforts and is pleased to sponsor the first book in the series of 60 that will be provided to newborns at Hutchinson Regional.

Under the program, dubbed the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Dolly Foundation covers the costs of all books, with the shipping costs handled by local sponsoring organizations. United Way of Reno County is leading this effort in our community.

Lisa Gleason, Director of Community Impact and Engagement for the United Way of Reno County, said it is reported that 90 percent of a child’s brain development occurs before age five.

Reno County school children between the ages of zero and five that are not currently signed up for the program can obtain an enrollment form by logging on to the United Way of Reno County website at www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org.