East Hartford, Conn. (March 6, 2025) United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut mobilized nearly 200 volunteers from more than 40 different companies to read to 4,200 local students on Read Across America Day, an annual event that promotes the joy of reading to young children.??? 

“United Way is working to end poverty by closing literacy gaps for children across our region. Reading sparks their imagination, helps them achieve academic milestones and creates opportunities for their future success,” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “Making an impact for students by mobilizing hundreds of volunteers is what United Way does best. We appreciate all the workplaces that use opportunities like Read Across America Day to involve their employees in causes they care about in their community, and the volunteers who give their time to help children succeed.”?? 

This year, volunteers read the book I am More Than by Lebron James in East Hartford and New Britain to kindergarteners and first graders. In Hartford, volunteers read Isabel and Her Colores Go to School to second graders. In total, 40 schools in the greater Hartford area participated in the initiative.?? 

“Read Across America Day is always one of my favorite events of the year because I get to sit down with our students, and not just read to them, but hear from them directly. They always have a multitude of ideas, feelings, and experiences to share with me, and honestly, I’m always learning from them. What’s especially great about this year’s book, I am More Than, is that it helps kids realize all of the great ideas and talents they have, can create really meaningful impact in their community. Now, and into the future. I have such a passion for engaging the next generation of leaders and this event is always a great way to get to know them and celebrate lessons learned from good books!,” said Mayor Connor Martin, Town of East Hartford.?  

American Eagle Financial Credit Union, this year’s Read Across America Day Book Sponsor, donated the book volunteers read to each participating classroom so the students can revisit the story throughout the academic year.  

“We are honored to be the book sponsor for this year’s Read Across America Day, and we’re excited to provide students with the chance to explore and revisit these cherished stories throughout the year,” said Howard Brady, President & CEO, American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “Fostering a love for reading at a young age is crucial for a child’s overall development and future understanding of financial literacy. As Connecticut’s largest community credit union and a nonprofit organization, American Eagle is committed to devoting our time, talents and resources to uplift our communities, and collaborating with United Way on this initiative allows us to make a lasting impact on the lives of students in our area—one page at a time.”?  

Following the read aloud, children participated in an enrichment activity developed by Hartford Public Library that complemented the storyline and maintained their positive experience with reading. 

 “The opportunity for our students to engage with these dedicated volunteers each year is priceless. Students see their passion for reading which inspires a love for literacy – cultivating deeper thinking and opening doors for them to pursue their hopes and dreams,” shared Superintendent Thomas Anderson, East Hartford Public Schools. 

Special guests who joined United Way for Read Across America Day include: Mayor Connor Martin, Town of East Hartford; Thomas Anderson, Superintendent East Hartford Public Schools; State Senator, Saud Anwar; State Representative, Jason Rojas; State Representative, Robert “Bobby” Sánchez; New Britain’s Alderman, Francisco Santiago; Dr. Tony Gasper, Superintendent of the Consolidated School District of New Britain; State Senator, Doug McCrory; and Caitlin Burchill from NBC Connecticut.??????????