Gulfport restaurant holds book drive for local nonprofit in honor of Dolly Parton

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — As the world mourns the loss of American icon Dolly Parton, Neighbor’s Tap & Table in downtown Gulfport is stepping in to honor her with an event they’re calling “Dolly Day.”

“Neighbors is a place for the community to come and be together. It’s an inclusive space for everyone, and I just think Dolly would have really loved it,” said Matthew Bounds, Owner of Neighbors Tap & Table.

Saturday, August 29, will be a full day of celebrating the music and spirit of the country music icon. Specialty drinks, and a drag show are lined up, but attendees will also have the opportunity to support charity and give back to the community.

“We’ll be playing all Dolly music all day long. We’ve got a Dolly drink special as well as her chardonnay, and a dollar of each of those drinks will be going to Dolly’s Imagination Library,” said Bounds.

And in true Dolly fashion, the business will be accepting children’s books, which will go directly to the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence.

“I wanted to donate the books that people bring somewhere local, and somewhere that could get a lot of use out of them. I texted my friend Renee over at the Center for Nonviolence and she said ‘Absolutely. They’ll be put to good use there,'” he said. “We’re looking for children’s books, and we would love it if people just bring a book that you think Dolly would have loved. Something new or very gently used, and we’re gonna fill the shelf behind me.”

Dolly Day will take place at Neighbor’s Tap & Table from 11 a.m. until midnight.