For the love of books- and the children who deserve them
Volunteer Information Coming Soon!
At the Old Timey Literacy Project, we believe every child in Elko County deserves the wonder of a great story. By providing families with age-appropriate books in their early years, we nurture young imaginations and prepare little ones for a lifetime of discovery.
We had initially hoped to partner with Dolly Parton's Imagination LIbrary, but The United Way remains the local program partner for all of Northern Nevada. Any questions regarding the program should be directed to them. success.
Bringing Stories Home to Our Community
How We Began
Founded upon a commitment to foster meaningful change within Elko County, the Old Timey Literacy Project represents the vision of Jennifer Morreale, founder of Old Timey Ice Cream. Upon identifying the absence of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library locally, she moved to address this need.
Jennifer reached out to other women who are passionate leaders. Through our partnership with Presidio Promises and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we've seen our passion take flight. We are on a mission to serve the 1,600 children under age 5 across our county, ensuring that children receive a monthly delivery of age-specific, high-quality literature. We also hope to expand our reach to include other literacy initiatives.
Jennifer in 1983
Jennifer Morreale
Jennifer, the heart behind Old Timey Ice Cream, is a dedicated community advocate with a lifelong passion for reading. As a mother, grandmother, and former substitute teacher, she understands how early reading shapes a child’s future. Holding an MBA in Sustainable Business and a Bachelor's Degree in English , Jennifer blends professional expertise with a genuine desire to serve local families. Her reading
journey began under a backyard tree with a book in her hand, and today she’s honored to share that same magic with the next generation. Her favorite childhood book was Where the Red Fern Grows, as an adult, she loves a good memoir.
Founder and Executive Director
Meet Our Team
D'ette Mawson
Board Chair
D'ette has loved reading since she was big enough to hold a book. As a little girl her favorite stories were Disney's Sleeping Beauty and Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham. She has often called her dad an enabler because she hasn't found a book he won't buy for her, even as an adult. Now that she's all grown up, D'ette still loves reading and wants every child to know the feeling of finding the perfect story at the school book fair or the library. If forced to choose a favorite book today, she would say The Outsiders, The Prince and the Pauper, or anything by Meg Cabot.
(Photo Credit: Kristin Aileen Photography)
Anna Immenschuh
Secretary/Treasurer
Anna is an Elko native, a U.S. Army veteran, and a self-described administrative and supply chain geek. With a BBA in accounting/finance and a BBA in management, she loves keeping things structured and moving forward. While she enjoys a well-organized spreadsheet and shelves, her true happy place is outside. She loves the outdoors and is passionate about animals and animal rescue as well as helping to shape the next generation.
Alyssa Bates
Fundraising Director
Laurie Jensen
Alyssa's experience spans road construction, operating a small custom baking business, and studying emergency management. She is a mother of two and a devoted wife, with a deep passion for children's learning. Drawing on her experience as a parent of a child with special needs, Alyssa is dedicated to helping feel comfortable and confident in the world around them while developing stronger reading skills. Alyssa is excited to serve on the Board of Directors and hopes to show every child that, no matter who they are, they are loved and cherished.
Rural Outreach Director
Jess Larsen
A devoted mother of four and grandmother to nine, Laurie brings a nurturing spirit and deep rural roots to our team. With years of experience supporting Elko families at the County Fair and local schools, she is passionate about building community connections through literature.
Family Engagement Director
Jennifer Fuller
Strategic Partnership & Marketing Director
Jess is a real estate broker in Northern Nevada, mother of two, and passionate advocate for youth literacy. Driven by her father's personal struggles with reading and writing, she is deeply committed to ensuring every child has access to strong literacy resources. Jess is honored to serve on the Board of Directors, combining her business acumen with her personal mission to empower young readers.
Community
We are rooted in Elko County, serving our neighbors and their children. Your donations stay in Elko County.
Literacy
Empowering children through the joy of reading and the magic of early childhood imagination.
Integrity
We act with transparency and honesty, ensuring every donation directly impacts hungry young minds.
Access
We ensure superior literature is accessible to all local youth, regardless of socio-economic status, by providing resources and bilingual texts.