Local Institutions Bank on Kids

Three area banks have taken the lead in a friendly competition to raise money for the Children’s Safety Center in Springdale. The center services 10 counties in the state’s northwest corner.

First National Bank of Springdale, Arvest Bank-Fayetteville and Bank of Fayetteville, we’re told, really took the reins for the cooperative project which will run from April 1-13. The goal is for the banks’ employees to use any fundraisers they choose to generate as much money as possible for the center.

All Fayetteville and Springdale banks are invited to participate this year, but for 2003 the effort will likely spread to Benton County, too.

The banks’ “friendly” game in such a fiercely competitive banking market says something about the work of Children’s Safety Center.

Last year, the nonprofit center, which provides services to child victims of abuse and their families, served more than 250 children. Ninety percent of those children were victims of sexual abuse.