In delightful news for bookworms and budding readers, schools and libraries across Nebraska and Kansas just scored some serious support for literacy, thanks to a slightly unexpected hero: Dollar General.
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation, recently handed out more than $55,000 combined to organizations in both states as part of their larger $3.5 million nationwide push to promote youth literacy. The idea is simple—give local schools, libraries and nonprofits the funding they need to get more books, better tech and stronger resources into the hands of students who need them.
In Nebraska, over $20,000 went to six organizations, including places like Bayard Public Schools, Elkhorn Middle School Library and the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands. Even smaller towns like Humphrey and Lexington were part of the story, with projects expected to reach about 2,500 students statewide. Not to be outdone, Kansas raked in over $35,000, with recipients ranging from Horizon Academy in Roeland Park to Santa Fe Trail High School in Carbondale. Libraries in Augusta and Plains even snagged grants, proving that sometimes the quietest places know how to make the loudest impact.
If this all sounds like a warm fuzzy blanket of good news, Dollar General is still adding a little flair. As part of their ongoing literacy efforts, they’re encouraging customers to snag a pair of bright yellow sunglasses for $2 to support the cause. It’s called The Yellow Glasses Project and while it might not turn you into a literary genius, the proceeds will help others get a little closer.
So while most people think of Dollar General as the place for last-minute batteries or a surprisingly decent bag of chips, it turns out they’re also helping kids fall in love with reading, one grant at a time. And with a new round of grants opening in early 2026, the story’s far from over.