Co-Lin student to host bake sale for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

By Jessica Breazeale

Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomore Anna Michelle McKenzie is inviting the community to join her in supporting childhood literacy through a bake sale set for Homecoming.

"Baking for a Cause" will take place at Co-Lin's Homecoming Tailgate on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, ahead of the Wolves' Homecoming Game against East Central Community College. Proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a nonprofit that has provided free books to children from birth to age five since 1995 and has distributed more than 300 million books worldwide.

McKenzie, a Smithdale native majoring in Business Administration, developed the bake sale as her Passion Project through Phi Theta Kappa, Co-Lin's honor society, where she serves as Vice President of Scholarship. As an officer, McKenzie was given the opportunity to design and carry out a project of her own choosing on behalf of the organization. She also serves as president of Co-Lin's Student Government Association.

"I chose this project because it brings together several of my interests and passions, such as event planning, baking, photography, business, and literacy," McKenzie said. "I wanted to find a way to combine these interests into something meaningful that could make a difference beyond just our campus."

McKenzie said the idea took root this summer while she was working at Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

"During my time there, I experienced so much kindness, love, and hospitality, and I saw firsthand how deeply Dolly Parton's values of giving and helping others were woven into the culture surrounding her," McKenzie said.

She said the cause is personal to her because of what books have meant in her own life.

"I believe a book is so much more than just a book," McKenzie said. "It can be a doorway to imagination, a source of comfort, a place to learn, and the beginning of a lifelong love of reading."

McKenzie pointed to two quotes from Dolly Parton that inspired her: "I think that if you can read, it gives you wings to fly anywhere you want to go," and "The seeds of dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world."

"To me, this project is about so much more than just selling baked goods," McKenzie said. "It's about planting a small seed of kindness and watching it grow into something that can reach children far beyond our own community."

McKenzie is asking individuals, families, and local businesses and bakeries to consider donating baked goods or making a monetary contribution ahead of the event. Community members are also encouraged to stop by the bake sale while attending the Homecoming Tailgate and cheering on the Wolves.

"We never know how much a small act of kindness might affect someone else," McKenzie said. "I hope our community will come together to raise money for something bigger than any one of us and help give children the opportunity to discover the joy, imagination, and possibilities that come from having a book of their own."

After Co-Lin, McKenzie plans to continue her education in Hospitality and Tourism, though she has not yet decided where. She said she hopes for a future that allows her to travel, meet new people, and create experiences for others.

Those interested in donating baked goods or making a monetary contribution can contact McKenzie at 601-757-7099 or annamckenziet@icloud.com.