Volunteers Needed! Reality Store
Volunteers Needed! “Reality Store”
Virginia Cooperative Extension and Loudoun Volunteer Financial Council (LVFC)
are seeking volunteers for the “Reality Store” program!
What is it?
The “Reality Store” is a fun, hands-on, “real-life” simulation for high school seniors in Loudoun County. The purpose of this event is to provide students with a “taste” of reality through an educational role-playing simulation relating to making financial choices.
How does it work?
Each High school senior is given, at random, a career, a salary and a family life situation. They are told they are the head of the household, aged 25. Then off they go to their school’s gym to experience ‘real’ life and make some challenging financial decisions. First stop – Uncle Sam to deduct taxes; then to the Bank or Credit Union to deposit their salary; then the student is required to visit every booth to purchase all the things necessary to live! Should he visit the Housing Booth first to secure accommodation, the Grocery Booth to make sure he has enough food, get some form of transportation (maybe that fast car he has dreamed of!), get some fancy clothes. Oh, what about furniture, utilities, medical and dental insurance, a phone to name just a few! But wait – he has two children ages 1 and 3 – he needs child care!
What will I do as a volunteer?
You will volunteer at one of the booths. You will initial the student’s checkbook brochure to verify that he has visited your booth. You can assist the student in considering different options on how much he will spend, but ultimately he makes the final decision. You can also volunteer to be a Booth Chair. All the information is available at the booth on the day of the event.
What are the booths?
□ Bank/Credit Union□ Child Care□ Clothing□ Communications
□ Contributions□ Credit Card□ Crystal Ball □ Entertainment
□ Furniture□ Grocery□ Housing□ Insurance
□ Investments□ Medical/Dental□ Personal Care□ SOS/Supplemental Income
□ Transportation□ Uncle Sam□ Utilities
Are there other volunteer opportunities
Yes! You can assist with setting up and dismantling or be part of a coalition to help plan future events.
When and where?
The next “Reality Store” is Tuesday, March 20th at Loudoun County High School in Leesburg. Your time commitment will be from 8:15 a.m to noon.
How do I sign up?
Please email Melissa Phillips, at , telephone 703-771-5419, or mail your interest to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Loudoun Office, 30 Catoctin Circle SE, Ste B, Leesburg, VA, 20175. Please indicate at which booth you would like to volunteer. Full details will then be forwarded to you.
Thank you for volunteering for the Reality Store! Reality Store has been funded by:
Loudoun Education Foundation
Promoting Safe and Stable Families
Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation
Apple Federal Credit Union
Kohl’s
And other community organizations