TheBANK OF EDWARDSVILLE LENDS SUPPORT TO TWIN ECHO SCHOOL IN COLLINSVILE AS THEY COMBAT CHILDHOOD OBESITY

EDWARDSVILLE, ILL., Oct. 26, 2010 . . . TheBANK of Edwardsville has joined Twin Echo School in Collinsville in its fight against childhood obesity by donating $500 to help in purchasing an outdoor play structure to get kids moving and enjoying the outdoors.

Twin Echo School is an elementary school serving approximately 275 students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade.  Sixty percent of its students are from low-income families. The neighborhood surrounding the school does not have a park or playground nearby, leaving most families to rely on school grounds for play dates and recreational activities.

According to Julie Haake, principal of Twin Echo School, “The Center for Disease Control estimates that 20 percent of children between the ages of six and eleven are obese.  Twin Echo School is striving to increase physical activity opportunities and healthy choices for all children in order to fight obesity and prevent our children from suffering lifelong affects of obesity-related conditions.”

With donations received through fundraising efforts, the school hopes to purchase an outdoor play structure that would allow students to enjoy climbing, balancing and coordination activities in a safe, kid friendly environment.  The structure would be used during all recess times, and for teacher-instructed physical education classes.  The school will also incorporate an activity-based lesson plan that aligns with the Illinois State Standards for physical activity.

TheBANK of Edwardsville, with its 2010 theme: “Because We Care,” has assets exceeding $1.4 billion and a long tradition of providing personal service, offering innovative products and giving back to the communities in which it serves.  For more information, please visit www.4thebank.com.