FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/20/2009

Contact: Alison Keeling 302-573-3731 akeeling@uwde.org

UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE VOLUNTEERS BRAVE THE RAIN TO START CONSTRUCTING STATE’S SECOND BORN LEARNING TRAIL

Newark, Del. (June 20, 2009) — Despite heavy rain, United Way of Delaware (UWD) volunteers met at Iron Hill Park today to begin constructing the state’s second Born Learning Trail, in support of early childhood education. This event, managed by United Way of Delaware’s Young Impact Professionals Society (YIPS), was part of United Way of Delaware’s Day of Action – a statewide day of volunteering. Participants included YIPS members, UWD staff and their families, and local union members.

A Born Learning Trail is composed of 10 signs that show parents and caregivers fun outdoor learning activities that they can do with their pre-school age children. YIPS built the state’s first Born Learning Trail one year ago in Glasgow Park on Route 40.

Rain delayed part of today’s project, including the painting, which will be concluded on Saturday, July 11 at 9 a.m. Families are invited to join United Way of Delaware on that day. The trail will be available for use immediately upon completion.

YIPS is composed of professionals, ages 20 to 40, who give, advocate, and volunteer in the community in support of United Way of Delaware’s mission: to maximize the community’s resources to improve the quality of life for all Delawareans.