CU Kind Day Reaches Over 500 Students with Financial Lessons
Limestone Financial Credit Union marked CU Kind Day on October 13 with a widespread educational initiative aimed at promoting financial literacy and kindness across schools in Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties. The program reached a total of 508 students from kindergarten through fourth grade, offering age-appropriate and engaging lessons about money management.
Supported by a grant from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, the program featured a series of interactive classroom sessions. These included financial worksheets, storytelling activities, and games designed to make essential financial concepts accessible and enjoyable for young learners.
Interactive Learning for Lasting Impact
The educational sessions emphasized practical financial skills such as differentiating between needs and wants, understanding savings, and basic budgeting. Through playful yet informative activities, children were encouraged to think critically about money and how to use it responsibly.
“CU Kind Day 2025 allowed us to introduce young students to important financial concepts while reinforcing the value of kindness,” said Jennifer C. Watson, CEO of Limestone Financial Credit Union. “By engaging students early, we hope to lay a foundation for lifelong financial confidence and community-minded behavior.”
In addition to the student-focused activities, Limestone FCU provided classroom supply packages to teachers. This gesture aimed to support educators in continuing their essential work in fostering financial literacy and character development.
Students Share Acts of Kindness
A unique component of the day’s activities was the creation of a “Kindness Wall.” At the end of each classroom visit, students were invited to share acts of kindness they had performed throughout the year. Contributions included heartwarming examples such as helping a cousin who had fallen, praying for a sibling, assisting with household chores like raking leaves, washing dishes, and helping carry groceries.
The Kindness Wall is now proudly displayed at Limestone FCU’s main branch in Manistique, serving as a visual reminder of the positive impact students can have on their communities and families.
Engaging Students in Sault Ste. Marie
As part of the CU Kind Day initiative, team members from Limestone FCU visited classrooms at Sault Elementary and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sault Ste. Marie. The sessions at these schools targeted kindergarten and first-grade students, introducing them to financial concepts through story-based lessons and interactive exercises.
The lessons focused on helping students understand the difference between needs and wants, as well as the importance of saving money. Teachers observed that the approach not only captured students’ attention but also sparked valuable conversations about money at an early age.
“Thank you so much for visiting our kindergarten and first-grade classrooms!” said Stacey Pace, a first-grade teacher at Sault Area Public Schools. “We loved how you tailored your lessons to every level and included such a fun, hands-on activity. We’re beyond grateful for all the classroom supplies and your generosity in supporting our students.”
Building Financial Confidence Through Early Education
Limestone FCU’s efforts reflect a broader mission to equip community members with the knowledge and tools needed for financial independence. Through initiatives like CU Kind Day, the credit union hopes to instill essential financial skills in students from an early age, empowering them to make informed decisions as they grow.
“Our mission is to build a better financial tomorrow through service, education and advocacy,” Watson emphasized. “We believe that starting financial education early sets the stage for a stronger, more financially capable community.”
The success of CU Kind Day illustrates the power of collaboration between financial institutions, educators, and communities in shaping the next generation’s understanding of money and values like kindness and generosity.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.