United Way of the Lakeshore

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The Librarian’s Beard is Closing Its Final Chapter! Joseph Zappacosta, Director at Hackley Public Library, is once again putting his facial hair on the line for literacy! Last year, he grew a beard to promote reading—this year, he’s shaving it off for the exact same cause! Why? Because every child deserves the joy of books, and through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we can make that happen! Whether it’s $5 or $500, your donation helps get free, age-appropriate books into the hands of kids across our community—from birth to age 5. Help Joseph turn the page on illiteracy—donate today! → https://lnkd.in/eh6zFBvq

?? The latest edition of the Volunteer Center Newsletter is here! ?? Stay up to date on upcoming volunteer opportunities, community events, and more. Check it out now and find new ways to give back: https://conta.cc/4bA2peg! ??

?? Beard Season is Here—And DJ Hilson is Ready to Dominate! ??Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson is back, and so is his legendary beard! Every year, he joins Beards for Books to raise money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, helping kids get free books delivered to their homes. But let’s be real—DJ’s beard always outgrows Mayor Gary Nelund’s. Every. Single. Year. ?? Will this be the year Gary finally makes a comeback? (Unlikely, but we love an underdog story.) DJ’s goal? $1,500 to support childhood literacy! He’ll be posting weekly beard updates, so let’s keep the friendly rivalry going and donate today! → https://lnkd.in/eQSGQW_K #BeardsForBooks #MayorVsProsecutor #WhiskersForWords

?? Bruce Walters: Growing Beards & Giving Back! ??For Bruce, Dolly Parton isn’t just an icon—she’s an inspiration. Her commitment to giving back fuels his own journey, and for the fourth year in a row, he’s embracing the beard for Beards for Books! ?? Over the years, Bruce and his supporters—including Dolly Fans from across the country—have raised over $13,000 to bring the joy of reading to local kids! This year, he’s back, more determined than ever to champion literacy and philanthropy. As Dolly says, “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” Let’s make some rainbows for kids and support Bruce’s mission! ?? Donate today & help change lives, one book at a time! → https://lnkd.in/e4uMa5aX #BeardsForBooks #BruceForBooks #DollyWouldBeProud #Philanthrobeard

?? BREAKING NEWS: The Mayor’s Beard is Back… Kinda. ?? Gary Nelund, Mayor of City of Norton Shores and a Beards for Books OG, is once again attempting the impossible—growing a respectable beard. Will it be patchy? Absolutely. Will it help kids get free books? 100%! Gary’s goal? $2,000 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through United Way of the Lakeshore! Just $32 gives a child a full year of books delivered straight to their home. ?? Let’s support Gary’s heroic beard-growing efforts—donate today! → https://lnkd.in/eUukrj6f #MayorOfBeardtown #PatchyWithAPurpose #BeardsForBooks #DollysLibrary

Thank you to FRIENDS OF THE SHELBY AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY for hosting a Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Storytime! We always have a blast reading Imagination Library books to our local children. Did you know that every child living in Oceana County under the age of 5 is eligible for the program? Visit for https://www.unitedwaylakeshore.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library more information!

We are proud to bring the magic of books to local kids! At United Way of the Lakeshore, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream big and love reading from an early age. That’s why we’re honored to be a Local Program Partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, providing FREE, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties. Each month, children enrolled in the program receive a book mailed directly to their home—creating excitement, fostering a love for stories, and helping build strong early literacy skills. We’ve seen firsthand how these books ignite curiosity, boost vocabulary, and prepare children for success in school and beyond! Want to learn more or enroll a child? Visit https://lnkd.in/gvEV2kBc. ?? Join us in making sure every child has the chance to read, dream, and grow!

Maximize Your Volunteer Impact with Get Connected! Are you an agency manager or part of a nonprofit, school, or community group looking to boost your volunteer engagement? Join United Way of the Lakeshore’s Volunteer Center for Get Connected Agency Manager Drop-In Hours! This free resource is designed to help you: ? Navigate the Get Connected Volunteer Center platform ? Manage and promote volunteer opportunities ? Get answers to your technical questions ?? Next Session: March 28 ?? Where: In-person (Muskegon) & Virtual (Teams link provided upon registration) ?? Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM ?? Occurs: Every 4th Friday through May 2025 Registration is encouraged, especially for virtual attendees! ?? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/g3fgDtv3 Let’s work together to build stronger communities in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties! ?? #UnitedWayLakeshore #VolunteerEngagement #CommunityImpact #NonprofitSupport

? Books that spark excitement and togetherness! ?Lauren L. shares how her children can't wait to open their Imagination Library books and dive into a new story together! ?? Moments like these are why we love this program—it’s not just about books; it’s about creating joyful reading experiences that bring families closer. Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear how Imagination Library books have made an impact in your home!?? Submit a quote, give us feedback, or support the program by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/eVX4n6cP