Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

At Neighbourgood, we love shining a light on organisations and individuals that bring real, meaningful change to communities. One initiative that has captured our hearts is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a global book-gifting programme that has provided over 200 million free books to children since its launch in 1995. Inspired by her father's inability to read and write Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county. Today, her program spans five countries and gifts millions of free books each month to children around the world.

A Simple Idea, A Huge Impact

The concept is beautifully simple: each month, registered children from birth to age five receive a free book, personally addressed to them, straight to their home. The goal? To foster a love of reading from an early age, bridge literacy gaps, and give every child – regardless of their background – the same opportunity to dream, learn, and grow.

What started as a local initiative in Dolly’s home state of Tennessee has now expanded worldwide, reaching children across the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. By partnering with local organisations, charities, and governments, the programme ensures that books get into the hands of those who need them most.

Why This Matters

Early childhood literacy is one of the most powerful tools for social mobility. Studies show that children who develop strong reading skills early are more likely to succeed in school and beyond. Yet, access to books isn’t always a given – particularly in low-income communities. The Imagination Library helps close that gap by delivering high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to families, removing financial and accessibility barriers.

CSR Done Right

For businesses looking to make an impact, the Imagination Library is a perfect example of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be both simple and transformative. By investing in literacy, we can help shape brighter futures, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.

At Neighbourgood, we admire programmes like this that create real social impact. Whether through partnerships, funding, or advocacy, there are so many ways for businesses to get involved in initiatives like the Imagination Library – and we’re here to help make those connections happen.

Join the Movement

Want to support the Imagination Library? You can donate, become a local programme partner, or simply spread the word about this life-changing initiative. Visit imaginationlibrary.com to learn more.

Because when you give a child a book, you give them the world. 💛

How I Survived (and Thrived) My First Half Marathon

Running a half marathon isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s an experience that tests your mind, your willpower and, occasionally, your sanity. When I decided to tackle 13.1 miles, I had no idea what I was truly signing up for. But looking back now, I can say the journey to the finish line was just as rewarding as crossing it.

Now, let me be clear: I wouldn’t have called myself a “serious” runner when I started. I’d done a few 10k races here and there, but that was the extent of my running background. Growing up, I’d watched my mum and stepdad run countless marathons, half marathons, and just about every race you can imagine. Their dedication to training—rain or shine—was inspiring to witness. At the time, I admired it from a safe distance, firmly on the spectator side of things.

But then, things changed. I got back into running when my mum was training for the Ards Half Marathon. We’d do hill sprints, interval training, and casual runs together. At first, I was just tagging along to stay active, but before I knew it, the thought crept in: What if I signed up for my own half marathon?

Why I Put Myself Through This

The idea wasn’t just about running—it was about proving something to myself. I wanted to see if I could get back into running, stick to a demanding training schedule, and follow through on something tough. There’s something really empowering about setting a big goal and then achieving it, even when doubt keeps whispering in your ear.

It became even more personal after my granny passed away in May. She meant the world to me, and I wanted to honour her memory in a way that felt meaningful. That’s when I decided to dedicate my run to raising funds for Marie Curie’s hospice in Belfast—a place that had been so important to her. Suddenly, this wasn’t just about me; it was about running for her and for all the people who would benefit from the support Marie Curie provides.

Training: The Real Grind Before the Glory

Here’s the thing about running a half marathon: you don’t just wake up one morning and smash out 13.1 miles (unless you’re some kind of superhero or completely unhinged). Training is where the real work happens. It took weeks of slow, steady progress—building mileage and convincing my brain that running could, in fact, be enjoyable.

When I started, even a three-mile run felt like a major achievement. But week by week, I chipped away at it. Five miles turned into six, six turned into eight, and suddenly, I was running distances I’d once thought impossible. Music became my secret weapon (indie playlists for the win), and I broke runs into mental checkpoints—just make it to that tree, then to the corner, and so on.

On the tough days, when my legs were tired, or I really didn’t feel like lacing up my trainers, I thought about my granny. I reminded myself why I was doing this. Knowing the fundraising would make a difference—and that she would have been so proud—pushed me to keep going, even when every muscle screamed to stop.

Race Day: From Anxiety to Adrenaline

Standing at the start line on race day, surrounded by a sea of runners, I couldn’t have felt more nervous. But as soon as I took those first few steps, something clicked. Everything I’d been training for came rushing back, and somehow, it all just worked.

The atmosphere was electric. The streets were lined with supporters cheering us on, and their energy was contagious. A special shoutout goes to my friends and family who came to cheer me on—knowing they were out there made a world of difference.

Crossing the finish line was emotional in every sense of the word. All the training, the hard days, and my “why” came flooding back in those final moments. I thought about my granny and how proud she’d be, and it hit me that this race wasn’t just about running—it was about doing something meaningful. And to top it all off, raising over £800 for Marie Curie made the whole experience even more special. To everyone who supported me along the way— from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Would I Do It Again?

Honestly? Yes. (Well, I kind of have to, since I’ve already signed myself up for the Belfast City Marathon!) Despite the sore muscles, the blisters, and the occasional moments of self-doubt, running a half marathon was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me just how much I’m capable of.

If you’re thinking about running a half marathon, here’s my advice: Go for it. Start small, stick with it, and don’t worry about being perfect. Whether you run, jog, or walk, crossing that finish line feels incredible.

Well, that’s probably enough about my half marathon adventure—it’s time for me to lace up again and start training for the Belfast City Marathon. No rest for the wicked (or the slightly over-ambitious)! 🏃🏻‍♀️

Employee Volunteering: A Pathway to Staff Wellness

The business landscape has evolved significantly over recent years, and with it, so has our understanding of what truly drives success in the modern workplace.

A growing body of research highlights a simple yet powerful truth — a workforce that is engaged and fulfilled not only performs more efficiently but also propels businesses toward greater prosperity.

Successful companies now understand that an engaged and fulfilled workforce is not just a nice-to-have, but a vital component of long-term success. One powerful method of fostering this wellness is through employee volunteering programmes.

Encouraging staff to contribute their time and skills to community projects nurtures personal growth and satisfaction. It also enriches corporate culture and strengthens the bond with the communities they serve.

In our latest blog post, Alex explores the benefits of employee volunteering, illustrating how it can lead to both individual and organisational success in today’s competitive and socially conscious world.

Why Employee Volunteering Matters

Employee volunteering isn't just about giving back to the community; it’s about creating a positive ripple effect that extends to employee satisfaction and workplace culture.

Here's how volunteering can contribute to staff wellness…

Enhanced Employee Engagement and Satisfaction

Volunteering provides employees with the chance to engage in meaningful work beyond their regular duties.

This engagement not only enriches their personal and professional lives, but also fosters a deeper connection to their employer. By participating in volunteer activities, employees feel more satisfied, valued, and motivated in their roles, knowing their company supports causes they care about.

An excellent case study to illustrate this is Google. In 2004, Google implemented the “20% Time” policy, which allows employees to dedicate 20% of their work time to projects they are passionate about.

This policy led to the nucleus of Google products such as Gmail, Google News, and AdSense, significantly enhancing Google’s product portfolio and employee motivation.

Positive Impact on Mental Health

Amidst the bustling demands of work, employee volunteering can serve as a valuable source of stress relief. Studies have shown that giving back boosts mood, reduces stress levels, and promotes a sense of fulfilment.

The Mental Health Foundation explains that volunteering creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation, helps to keep things in perspective and can help build self-esteem. Employees return to work with renewed energy and a positive mindset, contributing to their overall mental well-being.

Opportunities for Team Building

Team volunteering breaks down barriers and fosters stronger relationships among colleagues.

It encourages communication, collaboration, and trust in a setting outside the typical office environment. Whether painting a community centre or organising a charity run, these shared experiences build camaraderie and encourage cross-department integration, which may not happen outside of events like this, ultimately enhancing team dynamics at work.

Improved Company Culture

Businesses that support employee volunteering programmes send a clear message about their commitment to social responsibility and community involvement.

As companies foster an ethos of giving and compassion, they cultivate a well-defined culture that not only attracts talent who share similar values but also retains employees who are proud to work for a socially-conscious organisation.

A caring company culture encourages employees to share their ideas freely and work together to improve, without fear of criticism. This openness helps the business stay flexible, adapt to changing markets, and remain competitive as more customers care about social responsibility.

Personal and Professional Development

Volunteering provides employees with opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable knowledge.

Whether it's leadership, project management, or communication, these experiences enhance employees' skills, making them more effective in their roles. Additionally, volunteering broadens perspectives and fosters empathy, enriching personal growth.

Implementing a Successful Employee Volunteering Programme

To harness the benefits of employee volunteering, companies should strategically integrate these initiatives into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies.

Here are some tips for creating an effective volunteering programme:

• Align With Employee Interests: Survey employees to understand the causes they are passionate about. This collaboration ensures higher participation and engagement.

• Partner With Local Charities: Establish partnerships with reputable charities that resonate with your organisation's values and mission.

• Offer Flexible Volunteering Opportunities: Provide a range of volunteering options, from one-time events to ongoing commitments, to accommodate different schedules and interests.

• Recognise and Celebrate Contributions: Acknowledge employees' volunteering efforts through awards, internal and external communications, or dedicated events. Celebrating achievements reinforces the importance of giving back.

At Neighbourgood, we are committed to supporting businesses in crafting strategic and impactful CSR campaigns.

We connect companies with communities, ensuring that employee volunteering initiatives align seamlessly with business goals while delivering positive social impact.

For more information on how we can help your business implement a successful employee volunteering programme, get in touch with our team today.