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Northwest Federal’s Storytelling Event Supports Financial Literacy with a Mix of Sharing & Saving
HERNDON, VA (August 30, 2013) — A total of 85 local children – and one oversized dog – enjoyed a day of storytelling at Northwest Federal Credit Union this summer. From July 23 through August 8, the Credit Union held one reading event at each of its six branch locations.
The Summer Reading Program was a thank you to Northwest Federal’s youngest members for saving money in their Youth Savings Club accounts. Children were invited to meet “Westie” the dog, Northwest Federal’s Youth Savings Club mascot, and enjoy a morning of reading activities and special treats.
“Learning about money – how to spend it and how to save it – is important for children of all ages,” said Chris McDonald, President/CEO. “This event was designed to make these lessons more memorable by pairing it with a morning of reading and adding Westie to the mix. It was a great time for the kids, as well as the adults.”
Members of the Yorkshire Volunteer Fire Department joined in the festivities at the Manassas branch. The firefighters read stories, and shared safety tips and stickers with the children. Participants also had a chance to climb aboard and explore a fire engine. Both Credit Union staff and firefighters also visited the nearby Children of America Education Childcare & Academy, where they read stories and discussed fire safety with the students.
At the Leesburg branch, the Credit Union’s youngest business account holder – 14-year-old Grayson Albers, CEO of GG’s Frozen Treats – provided refreshments to the kids and parents attending the event.
All children participating received a goody bag and autographed copy of Westie’s Triple Decker Decision, a book written by Joelle Hahn, Senior Marketing Specialist.
“It’s a tale of mascot Westie’s special ‘Allowance Friday,’ and teaches the importance of balancing how you save, spend and share your money,” Hahn said. The book also teaches sign language for the key words save, spend and share.
“From an early age, it’s important that parents help shape their children’s attitudes and understanding of money,” said McDonald. “These lessons learned in childhood go a long way in creating a next generation of financially responsible adults.”
For more information about Northwest Federal’s Youth Savings Club, visit www.nwfcu.org/youth.
About Northwest Federal Credit Union
Northwest Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution ranking among the largest credit unions in Virginia and in the top 50 credit unions in the nation. Established in 1947 and headquartered in Herndon, Va., Northwest Federal is dedicated to providing financial services and education to its members and the community. The Credit Union currently serves more than 125,000 members and has assets in excess of $2.5 billion. For more information, visit www.nwfcu.org.