ING DIRECT USA Kids Foundation Partners With Books for Kids to Foster Early Childhood Literacy and Financial Education

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A partnership between the ING DIRECT Kids Foundation and Books for Kids, a national early childhood literacy non-profit, will enable children who may not have access to books or a public library to discover the magical world of books and reading.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110825/NE58106LOGO )

Beginning September 2, pre-school children at the Latin American Community Center (LACC) in Wilmington, Delaware will have access to brand new books, reading programs and other educational tools that serve as key building blocks for early literacy and financial education skills. The LACC Library is the first of five planned libraries that the ING DIRECT Kids Foundation and Books for Kids will open together.

"There is no greater joy than seeing a child captured by the enchantment of books and stories," said Arkadi Kuhlmann, President and CEO of ING DIRECT USA. "Partnering with Books for Kids enables us to create a learning environment that will introduce the children to a world of adventure, where they can explore, think, discover, and learn."

The Books for Kids and ING DIRECT Kids Foundation Library at the Latin American Community Center transformed a staff planning room into a fairytale-like educational world complete with special child-focused features including:

• A Planet Orange spaceship and learning corner based on ING DIRECT's space-themed website (www.orangekids.com)
• More than 500 brand new, library ready, early childhood literacy experts recommended books
• Print rich walls and magical decor;
• A puppet theatre stocked with puppets;
• Leapfrog and Hooked on Phonics enriching educational tools ;
• Child friendly beanbags and chairs;
• A listening center with table, headphones, and audiobooks

"Books for Kids is honored to partner with ING DIRECT to build our first library in Wilmington Delaware," said Shawna Hamilton Doster, Executive Director of Books for Kids.  "With ING DIRECT's focus on early childhood financial education and Books for Kids' focus on the development of literacy skills, together we are able to provide the children we serve critical tools to be successful in school and life."

"One of the greatest predictors of long term success in life is access to high-quality, early childhood education," commented Maria Matos, Executive Director, Latin American Community Center. "Thanks to ING DIRECT and Books for Kids, the Latin American Community Center can provide young children with the tools they need to grow and develop a life-long love of learning."

ING DIRECT Kids Foundation

The mission of the ING DIRECT Kids Foundation is to help children acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial and life decisions. The Foundation strives to utilize its resources to positively impact children and adolescents through programs that focus on financial education, youth life skills programs and personal development opportunities.

Books for Kids Foundation

The Books for Kids Foundation is committed to promoting literacy among all children with a special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool-aged children. Books for Kids creates libraries, donates books, and partners with literacy programs to develop the critical early foundation and skills which young children need to be successful in life.

The Latin American Community Center

The LACC was founded in 1969 by Hispanic immigrants and community leaders who sought to establish a resource center for immigrants – a place to learn a new language and the ways of a new culture.  Forty-two years later, the LACC is a private, nonprofit organization serving 13,000 individuals annually.  Its mission is to advocate for and assist the Latino and wider community by offering services in a continuum of care that promotes empowerment and an enhanced quality of life while celebrating our diverse cultures.  Based in Wilmington's Hilltop neighborhood, the LACC's 100 bilingual, bicultural employees provide a wide range of services throughout New Castle County, including its satellite programs in Newport and Newark.  A United Way agency since 1985, the LACC has a budget of $4.3 million. Support comes through United Way funding (6%) and more than 70 government grants and service contracts, private and corporate gifts and user fees.

About ING DIRECT USA

ING DIRECT, the nation's largest direct bank and largest thrift, is dedicated to inspiring Americans to become a nation of savers. Since its inception in 2000, more than 7.7 million Americans have entrusted their savings with ING DIRECT, building the bank to nearly $91.4 billion in assets.  ING DIRECT has developed a comprehensive social media Savers Community, including Twitter, Facebook and its We, The Savers blog.  For more information about ING DIRECT call 1-800-ING-DIRECT, and for information about its commitment to financial education visit Planet Orange(SM).  

Style note to Editors: ING DIRECT is always capitalized and never referred to as ING.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Brenda Dean, ING DIRECT USA
(302) 255-3696
[email protected]

Tara Chiarell, Allison & Partners
(646) 428-0610
[email protected]

SOURCE ING DIRECT USA