Monson Savings Bank Purchases Spirit of Springfield Books, Reads & Gifts Book to Children at Educare Springfield
Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, reads aloud the story of “Little Frog and the Bright Lights” to preschool children at Educare Springfield. A copy of the book and a piggy bank was given to each child.
Monson Savings Bank loves to help. Whether it is helping a customer, a business, a neighbor, a non-profit, or a student. Most recently, for Monson Savings Bank, this dedication to helping came in two measures. First, when Monson Savings Bank purchased $1,000 worth of books through Spirit of Springfield to fundraise for Ukrainian illustrator, Max Stasiuk. Second, when the Bank delivered the purchased books and read them aloud to delightful preschool students at Educare Springfield.
It was just a couple weeks ago when Dan Moriarty, President & CEO of Monson Savings Bank attended a Spirit of Springfield event, representing Monson Savings Bank as the Pancake Breakfast’s Court Square Sponsor. There, he was made aware of the organizations efforts to assist a Ukrainian man through sales of a special book.
A touching story was shared about Max Stasiuk, a Ukrainian man and the illustrator of the “Little Frog and the Bright Lights” - the third published book in a series of children’s books associated with Bright Nights at Forest Park. Max stayed behind in Ukraine and is separated from his family, who have fled as refugees. Max has since welcomed other Ukrainians into his home that have left unsafe, bombed areas, and works to support his own and these families.
Moriarty, moved by the details shared about Max and his family, did not hesitate to purchase 100 books on the spot, on behalf of Monson Savings Bank, knowing that all book sale proceeds would go to Max.
Next, he discussed with team members how the Bank could make an impact with the purchased books. It was agreed that the Bank would deliver them to Educare of Springfield to be given to children. The Bank reached out to Nikki Burnett, Executive Director of Educare Springfield, and Corporator of Monson Savings Bank, to get the ball rolling.
“We were so happy to hear of Monson Savings Bank’s goal to provide the children at Educare Springfield with the books. We knew we wanted some Bank team members to do read alongs with our preschool children and give out the books, “said Nikki Burnett, Executive Director of Educare Springfield. “The partnership we have with Monson Savings Bank is invaluable. It is so wonderful to have a local community bank that exemplifies meeting needs for people in a meaningful way.”
Finally, on the morning of April 14th, Monson Savings Bank team members visited the Educare Springfield School to share the wonderful story with preschool students. The children were thrilled to welcome special guest readers. Following the story, each child was provided with a copy of the book to enjoy at home and a special piggy bank to start saving their money. Following, the children enjoyed their usual schedule of lunch and naptime, hopefully filled with dreams full of a “Little Frog and the Bright Lights”. Monson Savings Bank team members returned to their workday with full hearts.
“It is opportunities like these that mean the most to us at Monson Savings Bank. We are so happy that this chance to help various people presented itself to us. Not only are we proud to be a partner with Spirit of Springfield, but we are immensely grateful to partner with many local non-profits who make a difference in our communities, just like Educare Springfield.”
Moriarty continued, “It was an absolute joy for us to read and interact with the children. They were so full of enthusiasm and curiosity. They loved their piggy banks and we hope they will join us as future savers at Monson Savings Bank.”
Educare is one of the nation’s most effective early childhood network of schools that ensures young children from underserved communities have the best possible chance for success in life. Their approach extends beyond the classroom to help children, families and communities thrive. Educare Springfield is the 24th Educare in the country, and the only one in Massachusetts.
Wil Morales, Retail Banking & Security Officer and Monson Branch Manager of Monson Savings Bank, is shown smiling along with Educare Springfield preschool students holding their copy of the book “Little Frog and the Bright Lights” and their Monson Savings Bank piggy bank, following hearing the special story.
Happy Educare Springfield preschool children thanked Carolyn Balicki, Assistant Vice President/Retail Banking Officer and Wilbraham Branch Manager of Monson Savings Bank for sharing the story of the “Little Frog and the Bright Lights”, along with a copy of the book and Monson Savings Bank piggy banks.
Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, reads aloud the story of “Little Frog and the Bright Lights” to preschool children at Educare Springfield. A copy of the book and a piggy bank was given to each child.
Carolyn Balicki, Assistant Vice President/Retail Banking Officer and Wilbraham Branch Manager of Monson Savings Bank, receives a special card handmade by the Educare Springfield students, following hearing the wonderful story of “Little Frog and the Bright Lights”. A copy of the book and a piggy bank was given to each child.
Educare Springfield children happily show their Monson Savings Bank piggy banks and their very own copy of “Little Frog and the Bright Lights” after hearing Monson Savings Bank readers share the special story.
Left to Right: Carolyn Balicki, Monson Savings Bank Assistant Vice President/Retail Banking Officer and Wilbraham Branch Manager; Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank President and CEO; Nikki Burnett, Executive Director of Educare Springfield and Monson Savings Bank Corporator; Wil Morales, Monson Savings Bank Retail Banking & Security Officer and Monson Branch Manager; and Corinne Sawyer, Monson Savings Bank Vice President, Director of Business & Municipal Banking.
