United Way of Whitman County thanks post office workers

PULLMAN- With National Thank A Mail Carrier Day approaching Sunday, Feb. 4, The United Way of Whitman County UWWC said they are thankful to all the mail carriers that have delivered more than 12,000 books to 19 towns and cities to children enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

United Way of Whitman County Executive Director Deanna Bren said that volunteers on the board oversee the program, "They just do an amazing job and are very involved with local post offices," Bren said.

Board member and Volunteer Wanda Terry said that she talks to the Post Offices as much as possible, "We're in Pullman, so we're in contact with the Pullman office very often," Terry said, noting that she also drops into the Colfax post office sometimes.

"We're so appreciative of the mail carriers and all the postal staff who make it possible to deliver these books throughout the county," Terry said.

Terry said that she often works with the post offices if there are any book returns, "I will pick them up, so we can make sure those go to where children can get their hands on those books," she said.

Terry also works with the post offices on whether a family needs help with a mailing address. "We help the families get back on track with their books," she said.

The UWWC became an affiliate of the Imagination Library in April 2022, and books have been mailed directly to children five and under at no cost to the family, with 864 children currently enrolled to receive books.

"We're proud to be the local affiliate, and we're so appreciative of the post office that makes it possible," Terry said.

The United States Post Office and mail carriers deliver books in Albion, Colfax, Colton, Endicott, Farmington, Garfield, Hay, Hooper, Lacrosse, Malden, Oakesdale, Palouse, Plaza, Pullman, Rosalia, St John, Steptoe, Tekoa, Thornton and Uniontown.

The UWWC covers books and mailing costs with contributions from local individuals, businesses, and organizations including ADDIUM-METER Foundation: PRH Women's Leadership Guild, Daystar Renewable Energy, Pullman Rotary and Pullman Kiwanis.