Every business has its startup story. Whether it is a family business passed on from generations or a daydream that turns into a reality. The startup story from Dollar General might surprise people. Co-founder J.L Turner built his business despite being functionally illiterate.
Having experienced the challenges associated with low literacy and education the Dollar General created the Dollar General Literacy Foundation in Turner’s honor in 1993. The company knows firsthand the importance of equal access to quality education for all backgrounds and ages. The foundation is committed to investing in and collaborating with local literacy providers and national partners to advance teacher and student success (Dollar General Literacy Foundation).
To further support their literacy mission Dollar General has a Yellow Sunglasses campaign that occurs every year at participating locations across the country. These 2 dollar bright yellow sunglasses are available for purchase and all proceeds are donated to Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Last May, the foundation made the largest one-day grant donation in its 28-year history: More than $10.5 million was awarded to nearly 1,000 schools, nonprofits, and libraries.
In support of the campaign our teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff have all purchased yellow sunglasses to spread the message about the importance of Adult Education and Literacy. The Yellow Glasses project shines a light on the barriers to education for many individuals. It also creates awareness to programs and resources available to help empower and educate the millions of functionally illiterate people. It is never too late to embark on a learning journey yourself or help support local and national programs and centers doing amazing work with Adult Education.
If you are interested in learning more about what the Dollar General Literacy Foundation does and how to contribute, go to their website at https://www.dgliteracy.org/yellowglasses/.
And if you are a country or NASCAR fan they have partnered with influential advocates like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kane Brown for literacy to share a story with everyone! https://www.dgliteracy.org/
