The Big Five Head Start Program was selected as Bank It's third quarter vision for 2017. From July to September, Bank It, the community of Alva and local participating banks raised $4,450.20 to go towards the improvement of the Big Five facility, purchase necessary equipment for the classroom and aide in curriculum advancement for the students.

The Big 5 Head Start Program serves underprivileged 4- and 5-year-olds who may not have access to books or educational tools. They try to prepare children to go into public school and excel. While in the program the children work on social skills, language and math skills and even gross motor skills. Their goal is for the child to be prepared to walk into pre-K or kindergarten ready to learn and work well with others. Kathy Jenlink is the Head Start curriculum teacher and she is very passionate about her job. Jenlink attended the November Bank It board meeting to personally deliver a heartfelt thank you the board, the Alva community and the participating banks for helping the program in their time of need. She was moved to tears while speaking about the children she serves and how they would be putting the money to good use.

The Bank It program makes it easy to stay involved and make a difference in your community. This year's CommUNITY visions include: City of Alva Public Pool, Act I Children's Theatre Program, Big Five Head Start Program and The Alva Wesleyan Food Bank. Now through the end of December you can support the Alva Wesleyan Food Bank by making a donation at any participating bank. The food bank currently serves 200 households (600 individuals) each month. Throughout this year they have served over 900 individuals, making up about 20 percent of Woods County population. They provide family ministry, working to improve budget skills, with a goal of moving them off of the food bank list and on to providing for themselves in the future.

For more information visit, http://www.ahabitofhelping.com.