Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Beyond Words Program Surpasses $3 Million in Awards

During Disaster Preparedness Month in September, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation's (DGLF) Beyond Wordsdisaster relief grant program announced it surpassed more than $3 million donated to nearly 240 public school libraries in 32 states since its inception.

"Reaching this milestone further demonstrates our long-term and ongoing commitment to serve communities, schools and students in challenging times," said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. "In the wake of natural disasters that impact our hometowns and schools, the Beyond Words program helps support work to rebuild, restore and replenish school libraries, thereby helping restore normalcy for students, alleviate stress from educators and foster long-term resilience."

Since 2006, the Beyond Words grant program has been a beacon of hope for school libraries destroyed or severely affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Public school libraries within 15 miles of a DG store or distribution center are eligible to apply year-round for a Beyond Words grant or learn more here.

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In recognition of this milestone, the Foundation is highlighting a few of the program's positive impacts:

Pinellas County Schools in Madeira Beach, Florida | Hurricane Helene

In Madeira Beach, Florida, the widespread aftermath of Hurricane Helene in September 2024 caused the school district to temporarily close two schools, Madeira Beach Fundamental School (K-8) and Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School, after each suffered major electrical damage and flooding.

To support the County in rebuilding and replenishing its library collections, the DGLF donated $50,000 in total to Pinellas County Schools to supportMadeira Beach Fundamental School and Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School. The funds additionally supported schools throughout the district that hosted displaced students in the hurricane's aftermath.

"We're deeply grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for helping us rebuild our library after Hurricane Helene," said Gulf Beaches Elementary School principal Robert Kalach. "The Beyond Words grant will allow us to provide students with books that spark curiosity, support learning, and help boost achievement."

Fairland West Elementary School in Proctorville, Ohio | Tornado

In April 2024, a severe thunderstorm and tornado tore through Lawrence County, Ohio, ripping the roof off Fairland West Elementary School in Proctorville. Fortunately, students were on spring break during the storm.

The Foundation presented a $5,000 Beyond Words grant to Fairland West Elementary School to restore and expand the school's library collection.

"I appreciate the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and for what they do to support literacy in our community," shared Angela Wireman, librarian at Fairland West Elementary School. "I'm very grateful that Fairland West was selected as a Beyond Words grant recipient. The funds will enable us to replace books lost in last year's tornado, as well as update and expand our library collection."

Micaville Elementary School in Burnsville, North Carolina | Hurricane Helene

Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, Micaville Elementary School in Burnsville, North Carolina closed, leaving students to merge with neighboring Yancey County schools.

"Hurricane Helene left our school severely flooded, destroying our school and causing us to close our doors permanently. We transitioned 198 students to two different schools and were forced to throw all our library books away," shared Melanie Bennett, Micaville Elementary School principal.

To support the administration, educators and students as they navigated these changes, the Foundation awarded Micaville Elementary a $20,000 Beyond Words grant.

"This grant helped us replenish essential books and materials to our library and ensure Micaville students stay on track and continue their education," Bennett continued.

Riverdale Elementary School in Orlando, Florida | Hurricane Ian

In September 2022, category five storm Hurricane Ian flooded Riverdale Elementary School in Orlando, Florida with more than two feet of water, leaving students and teachers displaced at a local high school for the remainder of the academic school year. With the help of a $20,000Beyond Words grant, the school celebrated its reopening in August 2023.

"The Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant was a major factor in ensuring students had an abundant collection of books when we returned to Riverdale after the flood. We were able to add over 1,200 books into our collection, and the students are still so excited to have so many new books in our library to choose from. We are all so thankful for the Dollar General Literacy Foundation's support," said Ginny Greifenstein, Riverdale Elementary School's media specialist.

Riverdale Elementary School celebrates its reopening in August 2023 in the school's refurbished library.

Pinevale Elementary School in Valdosta, Georgia | Hurricane Idalia

In August 2023, Hurricane Idalia devastated Valdosta, Georgia, destroying several buildings and causing significant flooding. The local school library at Pinevale Elementary School sustained significant damage, resulting in waterlogged and ruined books.

To aid the school in replenishing the books, the Beyond Words program funded Pinevale Elementary $5,000.

"Dollar General Literacy Foundation's generosity serves as a shining example of the power of giving, and we feel privileged to have them as a partner in our mission to empower young minds through literature," said Pinevale Elementary School Principal Tony Burgman.

Here for What Matters Before, During and After a Disaster

Dollar General is committed to being Here for What Matters for employees, customers and communities before, during and after disasters. In addition to supporting literacy and education through the Beyond Words program, Dollar General supports its hometowns through various ongoing initiatives and non-profit organization partnerships including the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Feeding America and Kids In Need Foundation Second Responder® program. Additionally, the DG Employee Assistance Foundation provides financial support to impacted employees, which awarded more than $2.5 million during fiscal year 2024.