RALEIGH, N.C. — Local Government Federal Credit Union's financial literacy initiative has got kids ages 8 and under buzzing.

The credit union has launched a new kids Web site, www.lgfcukids.org so its youngest members can have fun learning basic financial concepts from saving and interest to budgeting.

The fictional online world, Penny Hollow, offers games and activities to slowly introduce children to basic financial concepts, adding new activities several times a year so as to grow with the child and keep their interest piqued.

The site's design was built to accommodate growth, fueled by use and the feedback of users and their parents.

To get kids excited about Penny Hollow, prior to the new Web site's unveiling, LGFCU mailed out trading cards that introduced a group of five new mascots who happen to be Penny Hollow residents: twins Josh and Zoey, their wise dog Winston, mentor Sweet Pea and a funny little fellow from the library, Seymour.