Community Service 2009 Company of the Week
November 1, 2009
John Deere Credit
New Incentive Reading Program
John Deere Credit introduced a new incentive reading program in September at Findley Elementary School located in Des Moines, Iowa. Each student was encouraged to read 25 books, in school or at home, to receive a special “Readers are Leaders” t-shirt. With full student participation, a total of 9,250 books could be read by the end of the program. If the students reach their goal, John Deere Credit will host an all-school pizza party at Findley.
$9,000 Donation
Findley Elementary School recognized John Deere Credit’s $5,000 donation to purchase two laptops, projectors, carts, and accessories for two classrooms. Jim Israel, President of John Deere Credit, addressed the 320 students as part of an all-school assembly to present the equipment and a surprise Principal Fund check for an additional $4,000. Lois Brass, Principal at Findley Elementary, had to fight back the tears as she shared her appreciation for the special fund. She noted that this fund helps to purchase “all the little things that a school needs on almost a daily basis” but often doesn’t have enough funds to meet the needs.
Congressman Bowell Focuses on Education
Congressman Leonard Boswell attended the Findley School event. He stressed with students the importance of education commenting “There is no better investment than educating our youth, and John Deere Credit’s support for financial literacy programs, its gift of new computers, and its reading incentive program are terrific examples of a good investment. Teaching our children about financial literacy is essential to the continued success of our community, state, and country.”
To remind students of the incentive reading program, a mural was designed by local artist Doug Applegate and painted by Findley students, teachers, and John Deere Credit employees. This 8-feet tall x 30-feet wide mural captures the importance of math and reading, while highlighting the activities John Deere Credit employees volunteer for at the school. These activities include teaching Junior Achievement of Central Iowa’s “In Classroom Program,” volunteering to read with students, and donating school supplies.
Findley Elementary School
John Deere Credit formed a business partnership with Findley Elementary School in 2007. Jim Israel, President of John Deere Credit, shared, “Our ultimate goal is to build a special relationship with Findley and its students through a variety of donations and employee volunteerism.” Findley Elementary School provides education for students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. In addition, Findley is home to a Head Start program for three and four year olds as well as a universal pre-school program and a cluster program for students with Autism. Findley serves a diverse population in the northeast region of Des Moines, Iowa.
For more information on Community Service 2009, please visit www.financialcommunityservice.org.
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