Serving Up Stories: United Way and Thrive Team Up for Early Literacy
United Way of the Plains is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Thrive Restaurant Group to help more families experience the joy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that delivers a free, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age 5, regardless of income.
United Way administers the program locally in Sedgwick, Sumner, and most of Butler County, making it completely free for families. While around 12,000 children are currently enrolled, there are still thousands more who qualify.
Applebee’s Enrollment Blitz, August 11–17, 2025
Join fellow Wichita families on August 11–17 at Wichita-area Applebee’s locations for a special back-to-school enrollment blitz that includes:
• Free books for kids
• Enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for children under age 5
• Kids eat for $1 all week
Participating Applebee’s locations:
• 320 S. Ridge Rd.
• 3025 N. Rock Rd.
• 4760 S. Broadway
Check out the Facebook Event Here.
“We’ve seen the impact firsthand.”
Jon Rolph, CEO of Thrive Restaurant Group, and his wife, Lauren, enrolled all six of their children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. “Watching their excitement each month made us true believers,” said Rolph. “We’re proud to support a program that builds a lifelong love of reading.”
Today’s Readers Become Tomorrow’s Leaders
Early access to books sets the stage for school success—boosting literacy, readiness, and lifelong learning. “Dolly provides the books, and our United Way ensures they reach kids who are enrolled,” said Pete Najera, United Way of the Plains President & CEO. “It’s a simple way to spark long-term achievement.”
How to Enroll
Can’t make it to Applebee’s? Visit unitedwayplains.org/imaginationlibrary to register your child or learn more about the program today.
Together, let’s turn the page on early literacy. Because this partnership is about more than books, it’s about giving every child in our community a fair start.
