Congratulations to Oswego County Opportunities, the Ulster Literacy Association, Literacy CNY, Literacy Volunteers of Broome-Tioga and Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara.

Last week, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced the award of more than $7.5 million in literacy grants to nearly 870 nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. Awarded funds are aimed at supporting adult, family and summer literacy programs within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center across the 44 states Dollar General serves.

Dollar General's co-founder, J.L. Turner, was functionally illiterate, with only a third grade education. He was a farmer's son who dropped out of school when his father was killed in an accident. With determination and hard work, he began what has now become a successful company.

"We believe that every individual deserves an equal opportunity to receive a basic education. Through our funding initiatives, we are committed to helping individuals of all ages receive the educational foundation they need to increase their ability to access post-secondary education opportunities and attain increased employability."

 "Providing these grants and supporting the communities we call home reflects our mission of Serving Others and it's rewarding to see the impact these funds have."

Recipients of grants plan to use Dollar General Literacy Foundation funds to help adults learn to read, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, promote childhood summer reading or learn English. A complete list of grant recipients may be found online at www.dgliteracy.org.