LEAF goes to Orchard Primary

Students learn financial lesson; have savings account

 

ALMONT — Don’t let anyone fool you. Everyone likes money. Even young children who haven’t fully grasped the concept of saving money for the future.

In collaboration between the Lapeer County Community Foundation and the ELGA Credit Union, students across Lapeer County are learning the value of saving money through a series of lessons taught through the LEAF program.

Representatives with the program came to Almont’s Orchard Primary last week and made a presentation to hundreds of students.

LEAF stands for Lapeer County Education Fund and is made possible thanks to faithful donors through the LCCF who help young students receive financial lessons and who also have a hand in establishing savings accounts for each student.

“LEAF is a children’s savings program that provides every Lapeer County PreK/Kindergartner with a Children’s Savings Account,” said Patti Biolchini, Youth Program Coordinator of the Lapeer County Community Foundation.

She said the accounts are long-term savings accounts that will grow with interest through the years. CSAs are designed to help students save money for careers or college training expenses after high school graduation.

The LCCF makes an initial deposit of $25 for each child to help encourage them to make future savings. As an added incentive to have the youngsters save money, for every private deposit made, an additional $3 will be added to their LEAF account.

Along with making private deposits, students have the opportunity to make deposits four times a school year during what is called Deposit Days.

Parents are able to sign up with the Lapeer County Community Foundation to monitor their student’s progress throughout the year. For each family who signs up, an additional $2 is added to the student’s account.

The LEAF program was started in 2019 with an investment of $166,000. As of January 2025, the program has given more than 6,000 students savings accounts.

A permanently endowed fund was created with a $100,000 bequest from Sandra DuPont, a Lapeer County educator and longtime supporter of the Foundation. Her legacy of giving will support future dreams for generations to come. The program is a partnership of LCCF, ELGA Credit Union and the Lapeer County Intermediate School District and is brought to every school in the county.

Supt. Kimberly VonHiltmayer said the program has become quite popular at the school.

“The kids really look forward to this. It’s a great way for them to learn and experience financial lessons through the generosity of those who make this program possible,” she said.

Added Principal Adam Bruno, “the students get so excited for this. They love to learn. This is a fantastic program and really, it’s a lesson for all of us, to learn the responsibility to try to save money.”

The collaborative effort is the first of it’s kind in Lapeer County, highlighting the shared dedication to educational attainment, financial literacy and long-term economic empowerment.

The LEAF program and LCCF continues to seek donors who believe in their mission and are willing to donate to the cause. Organizers believe a $1 million endowment will ensure every kindergartner in Lapeer County will be given a great start on the road to planning for their academic and financial future FOREVER.

“Seed” opportunities are also available with the program. Donors can give $25 to help plant the financial seed, one student at a time.