The Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation believes that some of the most meaningful investments we can make are those that help children discover their own potential. A book can open a door to a new world, spark a child’s imagination, or inspire them to imagine what their future could look like. Through our partnership with United Way of Southwest New Mexico, we are proud to support opportunities that help create memorable moments for local children and families.
The Foundation’s support helped make United Way’s 2nd Annual Storybook Breakfast possible, creating a beautiful morning where families could come together to celebrate the joy of reading. We are proud to have contributed toward the venue, meals, entertainment, and other experiences that helped transform the breakfast into a celebration of books, imagination, and learning. Our very own Lumi also joined families at the Storybook Breakfast, adding to the excitement and helping make the morning even more memorable for the children in attendance.
The Storybook Breakfast also introduced families to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, connecting more children with free, age-appropriate books delivered to their homes each month. We are proud to have supported the event in a way that allowed United Way to reduce ticket prices, making the experience more accessible to families who may not otherwise have been able to attend.
One family shared just how meaningful the experience was for their children. Their kids enjoyed seeing their favorite book characters, participating in crafts, taking pictures, and meeting a local author. For their daughter, who dreams of becoming a writer herself, meeting an author and hearing her book read aloud made writing and reading feel exciting—and possible.
That is the heart of this partnership. It is about more than books. It is about a child seeing someone who reminds them of who they could become. It is about a parent watching their child become excited about learning. It is about creating moments that help children believe that their dreams are within reach.
Today, 1,945 children across Southwest New Mexico are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. However, with approximately 13,065 children under the age of five in Doña Ana County, there remains a significant opportunity to reach more families. The Foundation’s support is helping United Way increase awareness, connect families with the program, and work toward a future where every child enters kindergarten with a strong foundation in literacy.
As we reflect on the importance of this work, we also honor the legacy of Dolly Parton, whose belief in the power of books helped bring the gift of reading to children around the world. Her Imagination Library has inspired countless children and families to discover the joy of reading, and her legacy reminds us that even something as simple as placing a book in a child’s hands can create possibilities that last a lifetime.
The Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation is proud to partner with organizations like United Way of Southwest New Mexico that are creating meaningful opportunities for children and families. Together, we hope to carry that spirit forward—building a community where every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of reading, develop a love of learning, and build a strong foundation for a bright future.