United Way of Lewis County

09/04/2026

📚 “Will you read me a book?”

For families participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children weren’t just listening to stories — they were asking for them.

A groundbreaking study found that children in the United States participating in the program were 9x more likely to initiate shared book reading than children who were not in the program.

That might look like bringing a favorite book to a parent, climbing into a caregiver’s lap or asking to hear the same story for the tenth time.

Those little requests matter. Each one creates another opportunity for conversation, connection and learning.

So yes — read it again. ❤️
https://www.lewiscountyuw.com/dolly-partons-imagination-library

09/03/2026

United Way of Lewis County is looking for a Director of Development & Community Impact to join our team.

This full-time position is ideal for a relationship-builder, strategic thinker and experienced fundraiser who wants to connect people, partnerships and resources with meaningful community impact.

📍 Chehalis, WA
📅 Apply by September 25, 2026

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share!

Job description and details here: https://www.lewiscountyuw.com/careers

Employment Opportunities at United Way of Lewis County United Way of Lewis County is a trusted community organization dedicated to creating lasting change and improving lives throughout our community. We believe in empowering people to reach their full potential and are committed to building a stron...

09/03/2026

For more than 26 years, Patrick Dorsey has built a career rooted in healthcare, service and community.

Patrick began his career in diagnostic imaging after high school and later earned his bachelor’s degree in 2018. After several years working in X-ray and CT departments across the country, he settled in the Chehalis area and has spent more than two decades serving patients at Providence Centralia Hospital.

His work in healthcare has given Patrick a deep appreciation for teamwork, compassion and the difference people can make when they invest in their community. That same commitment extends to his service on the United Way of Lewis County Board of Directors and his involvement in charitable efforts throughout the region.

We’re grateful for Patrick’s dedication to helping make Lewis County an even better place to live, work and thrive.

09/01/2026

🎒📚 Welcome Back to School, Lewis County! ✏️🍎

As students across our community head back to the classroom, we’re wishing you a wonderful year filled with learning, growth, new friendships, and meaningful connections.

To all of our students, teachers, school staff, and families—here’s to a great school year ahead! We’re cheering you on every step of the way.

08/31/2026

Dolly Parton believed deeply in the power of giving — and in the idea that every child deserves the opportunity to dream big. 💛📚

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, that giving spirit became a legacy that will live on in the homes, hearts, and imaginations of millions of children. Every book placed in a child’s hands is a reminder of Dolly’s belief that something as simple as a story can open the door to a lifetime of possibilities.

Here in Lewis County, United Way and the Lewis County Rotary Foundation are honored to carry that legacy forward by providing free, age-appropriate books each month to more than 2,300 local children from birth to age five.

In lieu of flowers, Dolly’s family has encouraged those wishing to honor her memory to support the Imagination Library. A gift made locally helps ensure children right here in Lewis County continue experiencing the joy of finding a new book waiting for them in the mailbox each month.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧, 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰.

Help us carry Dolly’s legacy forward — one child, one book, and one big dream at a time. 💛

Make your legacy gift today: www.lewiscountyuw.com/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=

08/31/2026

There’s a reason third grade is such an important milestone.

In the early grades, children are building the reading skills they’ll eventually use to learn everything from science and history to math.

That means a child who is struggling to read may eventually struggle to access learning across multiple subjects.

Reading Buddies helps give young readers something incredibly valuable: more time to practice.

One hour. One caring adult. One more opportunity for a child to discover, “I can do this.”

Learn about becoming a Reading Buddy: https://www.lewiscountyuw.com/united-way-reading-buddies-program

08/28/2026

📖 What happens when books become a regular part of a child’s life? They want more.

According to new research on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children in the United States participating in the program were:
📚 11x more likely to be interested in books
❤️ 15x more likely to join in during shared book reading

Those numbers tell a powerful story.

Early literacy isn’t only about learning letters and sounds. It’s also about helping children discover that books are exciting, comforting, fun and worth coming back to again and again.

Learn about how to enroll a child here: https://www.lewiscountyuw.com/dolly-partons-imagination-library

08/27/2026

Raised in Chehalis and a 2006 graduate of W.F. West High School, Eric Sonnenberg is deeply invested in the community he calls home.

Since 2018, he has served as External Relations Manager for the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, building partnerships, supporting local businesses and helping advance economic development throughout the region.

Eric also gives back through board service with Experience Chehalis, Kiddin’ Around and United Way of Lewis County, supporting efforts that strengthen our community and create opportunities for local families.

When he’s not working or volunteering, Eric enjoys camping, golfing and exploring the outdoors with his wife, Tate, and their three children.

We’re grateful to have Eric’s community-minded leadership on the United Way of Lewis County Board!

08/25/2026

Today, we join people around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton. She was an extraordinary artist, humanitarian and champion for children.

Dolly gave the world so much through her music, her humor and her unmistakable sparkle. But here at United Way of Lewis County, we will always hold especially close the legacy she created through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

What began with a belief that every child should grow up surrounded by books became a worldwide movement. Through the Imagination Library, millions of children have experienced the excitement of receiving a book addressed just to them, the comfort of a story shared with someone they love, and the opportunity to begin building the literacy skills that can shape an entire lifetime.

Here in Lewis County, we have been privileged to be part of that legacy.

Dolly understood something at the heart of our own work: when we invest in children early, we give them a stronger start in school and in life. A book may seem like a small gift, but in the hands of a child, it can open a world of possibility.

Thank you, Dolly.

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com

08/24/2026

📚 What could you do with one hour a week?

You could help a young reader build skills, confidence and a stronger foundation for learning.

United Way of Lewis County’s Reading Buddies program connects caring community volunteers with K–3 students who need additional reading practice and encouragement.

Volunteers spend approximately one hour each week in a classroom reading with students, listening as they read and helping them strengthen literacy skills.

You don’t have to be a teacher.

You simply have to be willing to show up, encourage a young reader and give an hour of your time. ❤️

Become a Reading Buddy: https://www.lewiscountyuw.com/united-way-reading-buddies-program