John E. Joy Elementary School has been awarded a $5,000 Youth Literacy Grant after being named a “2025 Literacy Champion” by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) provides grant funding to support literacy and education initiatives serving individuals of all ages. Funding from the grant will support John Joy in strengthening its literacy programs through the purchase of books, literacy software, professional development, instructional materials, computers, and other new technology.
“This incredible gift represents far more than funding; it represents opportunity, confidence, and a stronger future for the children we serve,” said John Joy Principal Rebecca Kiley. “For many of our children, these resources will open doors they may not otherwise have access to, encouraging a love of reading, building academic confidence, and empowering them to see themselves as successful learners.”
The DGLF funds nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores in the states in which they operate. Rick Goppert, store manager at the Rome Dollar General located on Black River Boulevard, helped choose John Joy as this year’s award recipient.
“This grant is a direct reflection of the community’s support of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation through donations at our Black River Boulevard location,” said Goppert, who presented the award to students and staff during a recent ceremony at John Joy. “We hope this grant will help the school further its reading programs.”
The store also participates in additional literacy initiatives such as the Yellow Glasses Project, an annual program where customers can buy, wear, and share $2 yellow sunglasses in support of the DGLF to “help shine a light on literacy and create brighter futures.”
Goppert noted that, following this latest award to John Joy, all Rome elementary schools have now been able to receive a literacy grant through DGLF within the last 10 years.
“It is clear that Dollar General believes in our students and in the vital work of education,” Kiley said. “Their partnership makes a lasting difference in the lives of our children and our community.”
To learn more about the DGLF, visit the Foundation’s website.
