United Way of Huntington County

09/05/2026

Dolly may be gone, but her legacy of putting books into the hands of children lives on.

Dolly Parton believed that every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn, and discover the joy of reading. Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, that vision continues right here in Huntington County.

Since 2021, the United Way of Huntington County has helped bring this incredible program to our community, providing free, age-appropriate books every month to children ages 0–5.

And the impact is growing:

1,011 children have graduated from the program since 2021
1,136 children are currently enrolled
Each book helps foster meaningful interactions between children and the adults who read with them, build positive attitudes toward reading, and strengthen emerging literacy skills.

Dolly gave us a beautiful reminder that something as simple as a book can open a child's imagination and change the course of a life.

As we remember Dolly and the tremendous legacy she leaves behind, help us keep her dream alive right here in Huntington County.

Donate to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Huntington County:
https://igfn.us/f/3don/n

Or text DollyParton to 41444.

Every gift puts another book into the hands of a child. Every book plants a seed. And every child deserves the chance to dream.

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

United Way of Huntington County Day of Caring 2026

19 volunteers of all ages came together at 6 sites across our community for one shared purpose: helping our aging neighbors feel proud, safe, and comfortable in their homes. From seniors helping seniors to students from the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington County Keystone program, everyone had a part to play!

Together, volunteers completed 50+ hours of service in just one Saturday morning, with projects ranging from yard work to small home improvements. And the work continues- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne is completing small home repairs at 5 additional homes.

A huge THANK YOU to our financial supporters who helped make this day possible: Duke Energy, Parkview Huntington Hospital, W.A. Zimmer Company, CCI Anesthesia, Life at Bendix, Beacon Credit Union, Gerdau, and Kroger.

08/26/2026

In 1995, Dolly Parton started mailing books to children in her home county to inspire children to love reading in honor of her dad, who couldn’t read or write.

That idea lives here too. Every month, 1,333 children in Huntington County find a book in the mailbox — because of neighbors who fund it, volunteers who run it, and a woman from Sevier County, TN who started it all.

Thank you, Dolly. We will always love you.

08/13/2026

Check out the latest with this news!

08/12/2026

United Way of Huntington County Announces Executive Director Transition

After three years of dedicated leadership, Executive Director Sarah Kemp will conclude her service with the United Way of Huntington County as she transitions into a new role as a School Social Worker with Huntington County Community Schools.

United Way of Huntington County Board Chair Ryan Lemon said, "Under Sarah's leadership, United Way's mission of uniting Huntington County and enhancing the quality of life for all grew significantly stronger through the collective efforts of our volunteers, donors, community partners, local businesses, and Board of Directors."

During her tenure, United Way expanded Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, partnered with Huntington County Community Schools to provide Kinder Kamp and help prepare children for kindergarten, strengthened community collaborations, increased volunteer engagement, and continued investing in programs that support youth opportunity, financial stability, and healthy communities.

Lemon continued, "The Board of Directors extends its sincere appreciation to Sarah for her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving Huntington County. Her ability to build meaningful partnerships and bring people together has left a lasting impact on our community. While we will certainly miss Sarah's leadership at United Way, we are excited that her passion for serving others will continue as she supports local children and families through Huntington County Community Schools."

The United Way of Huntington County Board of Directors has begun the search for its next Executive Director to continue building on this momentum and lead the organization into its next chapter.

08/09/2026

Many local businesses contributed to the success and fun time had by all at the Discs for a Difference Disc Golf Tournament and Doubles D**k Pickleball Tournament! Thank you to these businesses for providing prizes!

08/05/2026

Heartland REMC Huntington University HNAZ: Huntington First Church of the Nazarene Gerdau W.A. Zimmer Company College Park Church Huntington City-Township Public Library Lake City Bank Andrews-Dallas Township Public Library Beacon Credit Union Life at Bendix CCI Anesthesia

07/31/2026

Thank you, JOOLA Pickleball, for your support of the Doubles D**k Pickleball Tournament!