Teachers get more than $8K in grants

DOWNEY - Downey Federal Credit Union has sponsored a book drive for deserving elementary school students for the last six years. But this year, the credit union received a pleasant surprise from a neighboring school.Downey United Methodist Nursery School's director, Margot Villa, encouraged nursery school students to contribute books to the book drive to help other children in the Downey community. Donations from the nursery school students and their parents made a "huge difference" in the number of books donated to Ward Elementary School, the credit union's adopted school, officials said. Thanks to the nursery school, the total number of books collected increased from 150 to 300, suitable for children ages 5-8. The nursery school children, accompanied by parents and teachers, dropped the new books into the credit union's collection bin Dec. 14, "making a special day even more special," credit union officials said. "Downey United Methodist Nursery School, DFCU members and staff have truly embraced the gift of reading by donating books for others," said Barbara Lamberth, president and CEO of the credit union. "The spirit of giving is a joyous occasion for everyone."

********** Published: December 22, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 36