September 11, 2024 – Hartford, Wi – On a solemn day when the country mourns the losses surrounding 9/11, the United Way of Washington County approached the day with an uplifting effort to instead mark it as a Day of Service and remembrance.
According to United Way CEO Kristin Brandner, they wanted to encourage neighbors across Washington County to take part in acts of service and give back to local neighbors in commemoration of the lives lost 23 years ago.
On a warm Wednesday morning volunteers dressed in orange shirts worked to add a dash of fresh color to a worn Born Learning Trail constructed outside the Jack Russell Memorial Library in Hartford, Wi, in 2017.
The trail featured an alphabet caterpillar, a hopscotch design, and a faded ‘welcome’ mat.
A table full of cans of brightly colored were pried open and eager volunteers got to work making a difference.
The Born Learning Trail is a United Way initiative that uses research-based games to build language and literacy – key drivers of school readiness.
The trail helps parents, grandparents, and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities as families walk along a path marked with simple games and activities designed to help children develop social, emotional, and language skills needed for school readiness.
“Early learning matters and that is why United Way continues to focus on school readiness programs,” states Kristin Brandner, CEO of United Way of Washington County. “We are excited to team up with Broan-NuTone employees again on this service project. This company is a true corporate citizen that gives back in a big way each year through donations and volunteerism. They are helping to make Hartford and Washington County a better place for all.”
The trail follows a path marked with colorful signs adjacent to the Jack Russell Memorial Library. It is a great free activity that anyone can use at any time. By simply following the instructions on each trail marker, parents and caregivers can teach their children in a fun, interactive way.
“Broan-NuTone is proud to continue to sponsor the Born Learning Trail program in Hartford,” said Clayton Lentz, Human Resource Business Partner at Broan-NuTone. “Having our employees invest their time in giving back to our local community is a core value of our company.”
About United Way of Washington County
United Way’s mission is to improve lives and community conditions in measurable and lasting ways. United Way is a volunteer-driven organization that serves all communities in Washington County. It is governed by a board of community volunteers, dedicated to providing funding and community resources for health and human services needs in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, and Health.