Tampa, FL – (June 17, 2009) – Amscot Financial, a leading provider of convenient, consumer-oriented financial services, is pleased to announce it has pledged $10,000 in matching funds to the Salvation Army Tampa Area Command to help the organization raise funds in the difficult summer months. For the third year in a row, Amscot will match donations to the Salvation Army – up to a total of $10,000 – made before July 31.
The Salvation Army provides food and services to needy individuals and families on a year-round basis. Officials note, however, that the summer months are typically the organization’s leanest months in terms of contributions. Often, summers are particularly difficult for low-income families, whose food budgets are already stretched to the breaking point, when their children aren’t receiving free school lunches. Seniors on fixed incomes and seasonal visitors also struggle during the summer months, swelling the ranks of those who need food, clothing, shelter and counseling year-round.
"These challenging economic times are making it more difficult for hardworking families to make ends meet. Unfortunately, we are not immune to the effects of the economy, and our supplies and reserves are already running low as we enter the lean summer months," said Steve Vick, director of operations for The Salvation Army.
"We are doing everything we can to prevent homelessness in Hillsborough County, and this gift from our friends at Amscot Financial will make a big difference. We thank them for recognizing the tremendous need that exists and for encouraging others in the community to help," added Vick. "We hope others will take advantage of this unusual opportunity to have their gifts matched."
“Amscot Financial is delighted to provide this support with the full knowledge that these funds will be efficiently used to help folks in times of their greatest need,” said Ian MacKechnie, CEO and President of Amscot Financial, and a member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board. “We’re confident that our gift will be well spent, and we encourage others to help The Salvation Army in this fund drive.”
To make a donation to The Salvation Army, send a check or money order in an envelope addressed to: The Salvation Army “Summer Relief,” P.O. Box 2839, Tampa, FL 33601 or call Moira Hinson at 813-226-0055, ext. 260. All donations are tax deductible.
Founded in 1989, Amscot Financial employs more than 2,000 associates who work at the company’s 174 retail branches and at the company’s corporate headquarters in Tampa. The company currently operates retail locations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, Sarasota, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia and Brevard counties.
Amscot Financial offers an array of convenience-oriented financial services,
including the cashing of personal checks, out-of-state checks and government checks; cash advances; Western Union wire transfers, notary services, pre-paid debit cards and income tax preparation. Amscot Financial also offers consumers the ability to purchase money orders – with no service fees.
About The Salvation Army
Since 1893, The Salvation Army Tampa Area Command has provided food, shelter, long-term transitional housing programs and counseling to those in need. Programs are designed to help struggling men, women and children overcome challenges to regain their self-sufficiency. The Salvation Army actively provides social service and spiritual assistance to the needy in 119 countries, and has been recognized as one of the world's most efficient charities by Forbes Magazine, The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Booz Allen Hamilton consulting firm, among others.
About Amscot Financial
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Amscot Financial is a leading provider of income
tax preparation and electronic filing services, refund anticipation loans, prepaid debit cards, check cashing services, cash advance services, bill payment services, money transfer services and money orders through its wholly owned division, Amscot International Money Order Company. Amscot Financial currently operates 174 tax preparation offices and 174 retail financial service centers throughout Florida and employs more than 2,000 people. Amscot Financial was recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of Tampa Bay’s Best Places to Work for three consecutive years.