Kathy Ireland Stuns Tennessee School With $50K Surprise — Massive Literacy Boost Delivered

Supermodel and entrepreneur Kathy Ireland partnered with Dollar General to surprise Andrew Jackson Elementary in Old Hickory, Tennessee, with a $50,000 literacy grant. The donation, part of Dollar General’s Reading Revolution program, aims to strengthen literacy development and provide essential resources to young learners. Students received technology funding, books, pillows, blankets, and over 575 Crayola creative packs. The initiative reflects the growing role of corporate partnerships in supporting public education. Ireland emphasized literacy as a pathway to future opportunity.

• Who: Kathy Ireland, Dollar General, Andrew Jackson Elementary

• What: $50,000 literacy grant and large-scale donation event

• When: Week of November 15, 2025

• Where: Old Hickory, Tennessee

• Why: To promote literacy, creativity, and student well-being

• How: Through Dollar General’s Reading Revolution program in partnership with Ireland and Crayola

The Donation Breakdown

Dollar General and Kathy Ireland delivered the $50,000 grant as part of a nationwide literacy initiative aimed at improving access to books and classroom technology. In addition to the financial commitment, students received 500 co-branded pillows and blankets from Ireland’s home collection, creating a sensory-friendly environment for reading.

More than 575 Crayola packs were handed out, reinforcing creative arts as a complement to literacy. Ireland also surprised the school with a new reading chair to support its expanded reading corner. Teachers were provided gift cards to help with further classroom needs.

Dollar General’s Reading Revolution program has awarded more than $5 million to 137 schools since 2013, marking this event as part of a long-standing philanthropic tradition.

Voices From the Event

Denine Torr, Dollar General’s VP of Philanthropy, highlighted the mission:
“We want students to develop a lifelong love of reading and have the tools they need to succeed.”

Kathy Ireland, who also serves as Crayola’s Chief Creative Ambassador, focused on the long-term impact of literacy:
“Reading opens doors to dreams, and dreams open doors to the future.”

School officials described the donation as “transformative,” noting that the added resources will directly benefit student performance and morale.

What This Means for Students

The financial and material support provided through Kathy Ireland’s partnership is expected to improve literacy engagement and academic performance. The combination of books, reading furniture, and creative supplies creates a holistic environment for learning.

The event also strengthens the school’s connection with national corporate partners, similar to how team programs benefit from high-profile sponsorships in sports. With rising pressure on public school funding, such philanthropic initiatives help bridge critical gaps in reading and technology access.

Future Plans & Community Impact

Dollar General will continue to expand its Reading Revolution program in multiple states through 2026. Kathy Ireland’s collaboration, launched alongside her home collection and Crayola ambassador role, is expected to include additional school visits and creativity-focused events.

Andrew Jackson Elementary will roll out the new literacy resources throughout the school year, with progress evaluations planned for spring 2026.

Sources

• Drug Store News

• Dollar General Corporate Press Room

• Crayola Media Center

• Metro Nashville Public Schools