DREMC officials present a $10,000 check to the Imagination Library in conjunction with the “Governor’s Books from Birth 10th Anniversary Tour.” From left are CoBank’s Bill LaDuca, vice president, Electric Distribution Division; Shelia Orrell, DREMC Director of Financial Services; First Lady Crissy Haslam; DREMC Board Chairman, Brent Willis and Theresa Carl, President of the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation
DREMC and CoBank each contributed $5,000 through the matching grant program. The financial assistance means more children can be enrolled to receive books by mail in rural areas served by the co-op.
“Our board of directors voted unanimously to apply for the grant. We see great value in supporting childhood education and development. It improves the quality of life for our co-op members, families and communities,” said DREMC President/CEO Michael Watson.
The Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a statewide bus tour, received the grant on behalf of the Imagination Library programs in Coffee, Franklin, Bedford, Maury, Marshall, Moore and Giles counties.
Books from Birth partners with Imagination Library and 95 county affiliates to provide funding for books and distribution to the homes of enrolled children up to age 5.
The Books from Birth Foundation encourages childhood reading and involving kids at an early age with books. Exposure to books helps develop strong speech, vocabulary and life skills.
