Imagination Library Receives Fujikura Foundation Grant

10/02/2008

Spartanburg, SC - AFL announces that the Imagination Library, operating under United Way of the Piedmont, is the recipient of a $5,000 Fujikura Foundation grant in support of enrolling more children in to the program. Imagination Library is an early literacy program that helps prepare children for success in school by eliminating one of the reasons children do not read – access to books.

“We’re so excited about providing a grant to Imagination Library, supporting young children in Spartanburg County,” stated Corie Culp, Community Relations Manager for AFL. “It’s essential that we help our children by engaging them at an early age. Doing so enriches our community and our future.”

Imagination Library provides a free, age appropriate book to enrolled children once each month from birth to age five. The books included in the library are updated yearly by a team of nationally renowned experts in early childhood education.

“Investment in Imagination Library is an investment in our community’s future,” stated Kathy Dunleavy, President and CEO of the United Way of the Piedmont. “We believe it instills a love of books, a love of reading and more parental involvement….all the right ingredients for school-readiness. We appreciate being chosen as a recipient of this grant.”

Assuming a child is enrolled at birth, each child will have a vibrant library of 60 books at their fifth birthday. Books are received via the US Postal Service and addressed directly to the child. For additional information on Imagination Library, visit http://www.uwpiedmont.org/imaginationlibrary.php.

For additional information on AFL and the Fujikura Foundation, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About AFL
AFL is an industry leader in providing fiber optic products, engineering expertise and integrated services to the Electric Utility, Broadband, Telco, OEM, Private Network and Wireless markets. It has operations in the U.S., Mexico and the U.K. AFL is a division of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan.

About Fujikura Foundation
With a commitment to being an exemplary corporate citizen for the communities in which we operate, America Fujikura Ltd., parent company to AFL and AFL Network Services, has established a Foundation that focuses on four Areas of Opportunity supporting families, education, the environment and community partnerships. In keeping with both our current corporate strategies and principles, Fujikura Foundation is providing monetary contributions and volunteer opportunities so that we can give back to the communities who have made our existence possible.

Contact 
Corie Culp, Public Relations Manager
AFL
864.433.5409
corie.culp@aflglobal.com