Volunteers from The Cigna Group, donors step up to help boost children’s literacy

January 13, 2025 | Hartford, Conn. Nearly 2,500 brand new books are set to bring joy and foster healthy reading habits among local children thanks to the generosity of Glastonbury Barnes & Noble patrons and dedicated volunteers from The Cigna Group, who stepped up to help The Village for Families & Children combat reading loss and support children’s literacy.

On Thursday, The Cigna Group volunteers organized thousands of holiday-donated books from Barnes & Noble shoppers, readying them for distribution to children served by The Village.

The new books will benefit children involved in various programs at The Village, including the Early Childhood Learning Center, Words Count literacy program, child development programs, mental health and wellness services for children and teens, and more.

“Investing in children's education, literacy, and joy is an investment in our community's future,” said Village President & CEO Hector Glynn. “We are deeply grateful to the generous Barnes & Noble shoppers and The Cigna Group volunteers for their support of Greater Hartford's youth.”

To learn about opportunities to help, please contact development@thevillage.org or visit thevillage.org/give.