Dollar General digs deep in pockets for literacy
Dollar General is trying to launch a literacy revolution in in its home state of Tennessee.
The retailer presented a surprise check to students, teachers and administrators at H.B. Williams Elementary in White House, Tenn., for $50,000 to support literacy initiatives at the school.
"Reading is critical to a child's success in school and in life. We hope this gift will help infuse a renewed excitement about reading and strengthen the literacy programs available to the students," said Denine Torr, senior director of Community Initiatives at Dollar General.
The donation from Dollar General is part of its Reading Revolution program. The program aims to provide schools with additional resources to purchase books, computers and other educational supplies to enhance their reading and literacy programs. Additional funds and classroom supplies were donated by Kleenex™, and the Grand Ole Opry star Lauren Alaina was there to help entertain the school's students and faculty and deliver the surprise.
"I am so happy to be a part of this day. This donation will make a big difference for the school," Lauren Alaina said. "Plus this gift might help unleash the potential for a future star to read song lyrics. I'm glad Dollar General, Kleenex™ and the Grand Ole Opry are highlighting this important cause."
Principal Jeff Witt said he was tremendously surprised and grateful to receive the donation.
"Words cannot express how overwhelmed we are," Witt said. "We are so grateful for this generosity, and we're already planning on ways to use this donation to benefit our students."