"Give like Dolly" and help 'open up postcodes'

A charity that posts free books to children on the Isle of Man is asking people to "Give Like Dolly" tomorrow (25 September).

The Isle of Man Imagination Library is part of Dolly Parton's charity which gifts reading material to youngsters up to the age of five.

The initiative started, in Douglas, at the end of last year and 57 percent of eligible children can now sign-up.

To mark one month since the country singer’s death the charity is encouraging people to fundraise to help ‘open up more postcodes’.

The charity is asking people to think of ways to raise money to help with its work on the Island. 

Trustee Trish McDonough said: "It's such a simple programme and it has all these sorts of behavioural economics things where you do nudge theory. 

"A book arrives in the post and it's addressed to the child, so they have that excitement of receiving their own book and then they want their parents to read to it and all the feedback we've had has been absolutely amazing from parents."

She says research shows children in the programme get about 45 percent higher scores on the Good Level of Development measure taken in reception class.

For 9-25 day, the charity is fundraising to open the service in Ramsey. 

The target is £9,000 and thanks to a donation from the Gough Ritchie Trust, about £4,000 is still needed.

Trish told Manx Radio she's hopeful the public will help:

You can find out more about the Imagination Library - and check your postcode - by clicking HERE.

To assist with fundraising contact the charity on Facebook or email books@imaginationlibrary.im.