Recently, Andrews Federal Credit Union worked with Learn DC Public Charter school at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling to promote literacy to the student community.
The credit union team noticed that students needed a library to access to books and literacy tools because the school is currently housed in temporary buildings. Andrews Federal Chief Operating Officer Damita Robinson, who serves as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Honorary Commander, tasked the credit union’s community engagement team with creating a solution that would support students and teachers, while also taking into account the school’s limited space.
After collaborating with school leadership, Andrews Federal created a sidewalk library system that will allow students and teachers to check out books when needed and to move/transport them as the school constructs or moves to a more permanent space. Andrews Federal worked to provide five libraries created from refurbished newspaper racks.
According to credit union leadership, the program brought together outstanding examples of the way the credit union works to solve problems and support the community. “When we see an opportunity to make a difference in our community, we are proud to help,” Robinson said. “Making this project a reality required creative, thoughtful leadership from our Andrews Federal community engagement team. We are proud to create a solution that supports education and our military families, and we look forward to seeing how the students continue to thrive and gain a lifelong love of literacy.”
Credit union leadership, including Robinson and Chief Financial Officer Todd Olszowy, participated in a ribbon-cutting event celebrating literacy and the new libraries. During the event, JBAB leaders Colonel Ryan A. F. Crowley, 11th Wing Commander and Chief Master Sergeant Clifford L. Lawton, 11th Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, read to the students.
In addition to the five sidewalk libraries, Andrews Federal also donated 500 books, five iPads and a monetary donation that will provide continuing support to the school’s literacy programs.