NASHUA – The United Way of Greater Nashua recently announced the return of Reading United Day of Caring, a community-wide literacy initiative held in celebration of Read Across America Week.

The event will take place on March 3-5, bringing volunteers into kindergarten and first grade classrooms across the Nashua School District.

During the three-day event, United Way volunteers will visit elementary school classrooms to read aloud to students for approximately 30 minutes per class. Volunteers will share Gizmo’s Pawsome Guide to Mental Health, an engaging and age-appropriate book produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which introduces young children to emotional awareness and mental well-being in a gentle, accessible way.

Reading United Day of Caring is part of United Way of Greater Nashua’s ongoing commitment to early literacy, youth development, and health. By pairing the joy of reading with age-appropriate conversations about feelings and mental health, the initiative supports both academic and social-emotional growth.

“Reading aloud with young children builds foundational literacy skills and creates meaningful connections,” said Michael Apfelberg, president of United Way of Greater Nashua. “By participating in Read Across America Week and sharing a story that encourages emotional awareness, we’re helping students develop a love of reading while also giving them tools to better understand their feelings.”

Volunteers receive all necessary materials in advance and are asked to arrive approximately 10 minutes early to prepare for their classroom visit. United Way coordinates closely with schools to ensure a smooth and positive experience for students, educators, and volunteers.

Volunteer Registration Community members interested in participating in Reading United Day of Caring can sign up online at: https://unitedwaynashua.org/event/reading-united-day-of-caring/

For more information, contact United Way of Greater Nashua at info@unitedwaynashua.org or at 603-882-4011.