September 15, 2026 -Community leaders gathered Tuesday at the Empowerment Opportunity Center for Books in Hands & Hearts, a United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois fundraiser focused on promoting youth literacy and expanding access to books for local children.
The event, presented in partnership with Hickory Point Bank, brought together community leaders who volunteered their time to read to hundreds of preschool-aged children.
The children also took part in interactive activities provided by the Children’s Museum of Illinois, Macon County Conservation District, Paw Print Ministries and Mount Zion Library.
Proceeds from Books in Hands & Hearts benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides books to children to encourage early reading and help develop literacy skills.
United Way officials say the event is designed to create positive experiences around reading while helping put books into the hands of children throughout the community.
