United Way's Final Gift: Imagination Library for Years to Come

PERU, IND., September 21, 2026 – After 69 years of service to the community, United Way of Miami County will permanently close its doors, capping nearly seven decades focused on services and support for the county's most vulnerable residents, early childhood development and community enrichment. 

The Board of Directors made the difficult decision after years of declining fundraising revenue left the nonprofit without a path to long-term viability. Rather than continue funding the administrative costs of running a nonprofit, the board chose to direct its remaining resources toward a cause it has long championed: the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which provides a monthly book to a child from birth to age five. Currently, more than 800 children in Miami County are enrolled in the program. The program was started in 2009 by longtime United Way executive director Debi Wallick. 

Sarah Hudson, president of the United Way of Miami County said, "The United Way’s Board was fully committed to being fiscally responsible. Rather than spend down our remaining funds on operations, we chose to secure the future of a program that has meant so much to our community."
To sustain the program, United Way will transfer its remaining funds to the Miami County Community Foundation, earmarked solely for the Imagination Library's continued operation. The transfer of funds will provide funding for the existing enrollment level for several years; however, additional funding is needed to ensure the longevity of the program. Community members who want to support the Imagination Library in Miami County can donate directly to the Children’s Literacy Legacy Fund by contacting Cheryl Broyles, the Community Foundation’s director of development, at 765-470-1778.

Additional community programs created by United Way will also endure. The monthly mobile food pantry and the Weekend Meals Backpack Program will continue without interruption. United Way will fund the weekend meals program throughout the 2026–2027 school year and transition the program to the Peru Community School’s new education foundation. Those interested in supporting the continuation of the children’s Weekend Meals Backpack Program can contact Dr. Jason Gornto, senior director at Peru Community Schools, at jgornto@peru.k12.in.us or 765-473-3081 ext. 2413. To support the mobile food pantry, donations can be made directly to Food Finders Food Bank at https://www.food-finders.org/get-involved/donate/.

In addition, the United Way has fulfilled all of its 2026 grant commitments, supporting the Miami County YMCA's Pre-K Scholarship and Transit programs, the Salvation Army's Emergency Assistance program, the Family Service Association's Domestic Violence & Assault Program, Bona Vista's Sensory Program, and Mental Health America's Mental Health Navigator program.
United Way of Miami County extends its deepest gratitude to current and former board members, donors and volunteers over the past 69 years. The organization is eternally grateful for the longtime leadership of the Backpack Program by Stacia Bonifant and the volunteer support by the Lions Club. United Way also thanks Staci Bradley, who has managed logistics and volunteer support for the mobile food pantry for the past two years. 

While this is the final chapter for United Way of Miami County, its legacy will endure in our community.
Media Contact: Melissa Hicks, mhicks@mosaicmarketing.com