Shirley Torsell’s love of reading was widely recognized, and she was known to frequently hand out free children’s picture books from her seat at the movie theatre ticket stand where she worked.

In honor of what would have been her 92nd birthday, Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co., committed 100% of its sales on June 14  to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in honor of Torsell’s love of children’s reading.

“Our amazing customers helped us donate the entire day’s sales, or $3,133.00 to this outstanding program,” said Pete Suter, co-founder and CEO of Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co. “The most exciting thing is that we’re able to share Shirley’s love of reading with kids right here in our community.”

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, coordinated in Allen County by Emily Brodman, is a program that sends children a free, high-quality picture book every month from birth through age five. With more than 1,500 kids enrolled in the Lima area, Brodman reports the local affiliate is one of the largest chapters in the Imagination Library’s international program. And the donation from Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn goes right to work in the local area.

“What it really means is that 125 kids right here in our community will get a great free book every month for an entire year,” said Suter. “We were thrilled by our customers’ response, and can’t wait to continue our relationship with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the future.”

The Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn’s management team, along with Shirley’s daughter Pat Rodabaugh, presented Brodman with donation on June 30 before participating in story time and crafts during the program’s monthly Family Fun Group.

PHOTO IDS:

Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn CO. team members Toni Smith (far L) and Jennifer Althaus (far R) join Shirley’s daughter Pat Rodabaugh (center L) and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Allen County coordinator Emily Brodman in Lima on June 30.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library coordinator Emily Brodman shares a picture book with families on June 30.