COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — This year it's trick or treat at Scott Credit Union as theBig Barkers Kidz Club gears up for its Halloween celebration.

The event, which will feature trick or treating for the kids, a costume contest for kids 12 and under, a pet costume contest for dogs and a bounce house, is yet another way for Scott CU to connect and reach out to its youngest members.

The credit union launched its Big Barkers Kidz Club earlier this year. The club is aimed at encouraging kids to learn about and save money. The club, which is free to kids who open an account with Scott CU, offers kids a savings account and prizes as they save.

The Big Barkers Kidz Club also provides an interactive club Web site at www.scu.org that includes several pages of games and fun links, tips about saving, information about the value of credit unions, information about club events and even a tool that they can use to e-mail club mascot Scotty the Dog.

“Our goal with the club is really to create a more fun experience for our young members,” Scott CU Community Relations Supervisor Ashleigh Deatherage. “We want them to have a positive experience at a young age as they learn about saving money. We truly believe that their experience at this age will stick with them when it comes to handling their finances.”