Clinton Savings Bank recently matched a donation to the United Way of Tri-County made by first-grade students at Berlin Memorial School.

Earlier this month, to encourage the students to help others in need, first-grade teacher Elizabeth Bennett launched a week-long reward system where her students could earn "Bennett Bucks" (each equivalent to one dollar) for random acts of kindness and other good behavior in the classroom and at home, if parents chose to participate. At the end of the week, the children’s hard work and good conduct resulted in a collection of $131, which they decided to donate to the United Way of Tri-County.

"When I told them the money would feed five families, they were overjoyed – showing maturity beyond their young years," Michael D. Tenaglia, United Way of Tri-County Board Member & Treasurer, said in a statement . "They truly understand the importance of helping those less fortunate, and we commend them all for their sentiment, generosity and selfless act." 

The class also presented Tenaglia a new stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear Workshop for him to share with a child in need.