Tampa, FL., January 17, 2005/ - A lot of “change” will go a long way in helping those in need through The Salvation Army of Hillsborough County. Amscot Financial’s management and staff teamed up to raise $11,487.18 during the Salvation Army’s 2004 Red Kettle Bell Ringing Campaign, from November 26-December 24, 2004.

Richard Holland and Adrian Peterson

Employees from the corporate office and various Amscot locations throughout the Tampa Bay area agreed to “ring the bell” for two and a half hour shifts during the holiday season at one of two Wal-Mart sites adopted through The Salvation Army. The spirit of giving was in the air and several employees signed up to ring more than one shift. “I really enjoyed being a part of the Salvation Army Bell Ringing this year. I volunteered for additional shifts because I wanted to help the campaign be successful, to be the best year ever!” said Christina Bradford, Corporate Trainer with Amscot Financial.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the largest volunteer-based fundraiser for The Salvation Army each year. All the proceeds remain in Hillsborough County to provide assistance for struggling families in the community.

“I am very pleased with our involvement in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Bell Ringing Campaign this year,” said Ian MacKechnie, Founder and CEO of Amscot Financial. “I am very proud that our employees helped raise funds to give back to the community. It’s important to volunteer and support the community in which we live and work,” MacKechnie added.

	Sara Orcutt

	Christina, Ryan and Connor Bradford

	Chris Hofmann

	Felipe Maldonado

Headquartered in Tampa , FL., Amscot Financial is a leading provider of income tax preparation and electronic filing services, refund anticipation loans, check cashing services, cash advance services, money transfer services and money orders through its wholly owned division, Amscot International Money Order Company. Amscot Financial currently operates 78 tax preparation offices and 78 retail financial service centers throughout Florida and employs more than 1,500 people. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.amscotfinancial.com.