Supermodel-turned-mogul Kathy Ireland and Dollar General teamed up to bring a massive $50,000 donation and a wave of excitement to Andrew Jackson Elementary School in Old Hickory, Tennessee, fueling a mission to boost literacy and creativity.
The surprise, held on a brisk morning, went far beyond a simple financial grant. It demonstrated a shared commitment to nurturing young minds in local communities. Denine Torr, VP of Corporate Social Responsibility at Dollar General, emphasized that the goal was to “enhance the school’s current programs and ignite a lifelong love of reading.”
Gifts that Spark Dreams
The $50,000 Reading Revolution grant will provide vital resources—including books, technology, and educational supplies. However, the event’s tangible gifts added extra inspiration:
- Cozy Reading Nooks: 500 co-branded pillows and blankets from the exclusive ki by kathy ireland collection (available at Dollar General stores) were distributed, along with a new reading chair presented by Ireland.
- Creative Tools: Over 575 Crayola packs were given out, reflecting Ireland’s role as Chief Creative Ambassador for Crayola.
- Support for Staff: Teachers and staff received gift cards, acknowledging their critical work.
Kathy Ireland captured the sentiment, stating, “Reading opens doors to dreams, and dreams open doors to the future.”
Building a Legacy of Literacy
This event marks the latest chapter in Dollar General’s impactful Reading Revolution program, which has awarded more than $5 million to schools and nonprofits since 2013.
The partnership with Ireland is also a commercial one, beginning in June 2025 with the launch of her affordable grandmillennial-style home collection (bedding, throws, etc.) at Dollar General stores, proving that business and philanthropy can align to support community progress.
Ireland’s influence, extending from her work in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue documentary “Beyond the Gaze” to her business ventures, consistently champions empowerment and creative agency. For the students of Andrew Jackson Elementary, the message is clear: their creativity and dreams are highly valued.
