Four County Community Foundation

08/28/2026

Every month, 2,311 children in parts of Macomb, Oakland and Lapeer counties find a book in the mailbox — because of neighbors who fund it, volunteers who run it, and a woman from Sevier County, TN who started it all.

In honor of Dolly Parton’s commitment to literacy through Imagination Library and an outpouring of interest and support from the community, 4CCF - Friends of Imagination Library have placed donation jars in several of our local libraries. Cash can be dropped in the jars or patrons can use a provided QR code to make an online gift.

“Our community signed on to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2022 to give our children the best start in life,” said Kathy Markel, one of the local affiliate’s founders.

“While our hearts are incredibly sad, we’re more inspired than ever to continue this important mission. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children,” she said.

The book gifting program provides free age appropriate, high-quality books to children from birth to age five every month, regardless of their family’s income. Currently, the foundation’s Imagination Library program currently serves children in Addison, Almont, Armada, Attica, Dryden, Imlay City, Metamora, Memphis, New Haven, Ortonville, Oxford, Ray, Richmond, Romeo, Shelby, and Washington.

Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80. In a statement to Imagination Library affiliates, the Dollywood Foundation shared that Imagination Library will continue.

“Our organization is strong, our mission is clear, and our commitment to the children and families we serve has never been greater. Dolly didn't build the Imagination Library to last for her lifetime. She built it to last for theirs,” said Jeff Conyers, Vice Chair & President at The Dollywood Foundation.

A gift of just $31 helps our affiliate provide a year’s worth of book for one child and a gift of $156 will cover the cost for one child to receive 60 books over the course of five years.

To learn more about the program or make a donation visit https://bit.ly/4CCFImaginationLibrary. Donations can also be made by calling (810) 798-0909 or sending payment to 4CCF, 141 S. Main Street, Romeo, MI 48065.

08/25/2026

Thank you, Dolly ❤

It's been an honor to work with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library since 2022 and help put books in the hands of thousands of children in Lapeer, Macomb and Oakland counties. Her dedication to early literacy has inspired us all.

Memorial donations can be made to our local Imagination Library affiliate 4CCF - Friends of Imagination Library here, https://www.4ccf.org/ini.../four-county-imagination-library/ See less

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

08/25/2026

Kudos to these hard working volunteers for coordinating another successful fundraiser! 💪
4CCF - Friends of Imagination Library

08/24/2026

Today's the day! Stop by the Washington Township Culver's location between 4-8 p.m. to support 4CCF - Friends of Imagination Library.

A portion of all proceeds will be donated by the store's generous owners to support our Imagination Library affiliate help register children to receive free books from birth to age 5.

Currently, 2,250 children in our service area receive books because of our volunteers' efforts...how impressive is that?!?

08/20/2026

One of the core values of the Five Lakes Financial team is a commitment to generosity and giving back to the community. Charitable giving is one of the most meaningful aspects of a financial plan – and one of the most overlooked opportunities.

The right strategy can help support the causes you care most about, reduce taxes in a smart, compliant way, and create a lasting legacy for your family and community. We love educating our clients about the various ways to incorporate giving in their financial plan!

From donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions to simply timing these gifts, small adjustments can make a big difference. Four County Community Foundation is a great local resource for supporting local opportunities that align with your charitable interests.

If you would like to discuss how giving fits into your bigger picture, our team is here. Let’s make your generosity work as hard as you do!

08/19/2026

We're just a few days away from our Make Your Meal Matter fundraising event at Culver's of Washington Township. A portion of all sales from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, August 24, will benefit Four County Community Foundation's Imagination Library affiliate.

This is the second year the generous owners have partnered with 4CCF - Friends of Imagination Library to support childhood literacy in the area.

Currently, more than 140 children in Bruce Township/Romeo and 245 in Washington Township are receiving free books in the mail every month thanks to the work of our affiliate volunteers.

Come support their efforts on Monday by grabbing dinner or a sweet treat! 🍨

08/19/2026

08/17/2026

We think you'll agree that Four County Community Foundation's service area is home to many Standout Schools! 🚸🎒👩🏽‍🏫

That's why we've dedicated funding to supporting educators and administrators in Almont, Armada, Capac, Memphis, Dryden, Imlay City and Romeo who seek funding for classroom projects, field trips, student clubs and much more.

Now that students and staff are headed back to the classroom, it's the ideal time to consider a donation to any one of our Standout Schools funds. That will ensure funds are available when educators submit an application through our competitive grant cycle.

Visit https://www.4ccf.org/ to make an online donation—each of the district's individual giving links are right on our homepage—or give us a call at (810) 798-0909 to make arrangements over the phone.

We're passing along our best wishes to everyone for the 2026-2027 school year!

08/14/2026

Downtown Romeo, MI

08/14/2026

Congratulations to Downtown Romeo, MI on the completion of their new playscape project at Romeo Village Park! Four County Community Foundation was happy to serve as a connector between the DDA and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and Kaboom!

Yesterday was the project’s Ribbon Cutting. Thanks to People Driven Credit Union for providing yummy ice cream!