United Way mobilizes nearly 200 volunteers to read to more than 5,000 students across greater Hartford

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut partnered with East Hartford Public Schools, Jumpstart, Hartford Public Library, Hartford Public Schools, Consolidated School District of New Britain and other community partners to celebrate the 17th Annual Jumpstart Read for the Record®, a campaign mobilizing volunteers to read to students in the classroom.   

 “We believe it is important to promote children reading and loving books, especially between kindergarten through third grade. We know it is about all of us working together to create a community where every child has the opportunity to succeed in school. Today, United Way volunteers were part of the world’s largest shared reading experience!” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. 

This year volunteers read “Nigel and the Moon” by Antwan Eady to kindergarten through third graders in East Hartford, Hartford and New Britain public schools.  

“Experiences like Read for the Record connect people to causes they care about most and connects children with role models. This work is core to the values of United Way, volunteering can change people’s lives for the good in so many ways. United Way is here to provide individuals, groups and workplaces with opportunities that help them to connect and achieve their philanthropic goals,” added Harrison.  

Some special guests that joined United Way for Read for the Record were: Congressman John Larson, CT-01; Mayor Mike Walsh, Town of East Hartford; Representative Jeff Currey; Superintendent Nate Quesnel, East Hartford Public Schools; and Taylor Kinzler and Caitlin Burchill from NBC Connecticut.    

 About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut    
United Way brings people and resources together to address immediate needs and find long-term solutions to challenging problems. United Way does this by investing in programs and services, leading community change initiatives, and mobilizing resources and volunteers to ensure that children succeed in school, people get jobs and are financially secure, people are healthy, and basic needs are met during tough times. For more information, visit www.unitedwayinc.org.