TAMPA, Fla., November 4, 2003/PRNewswire/ - Amscot Financial recently announced it is a sponsor for The Salvation Army's 10th Annual Tree of Lights Benefit Breakfast, an event that serves to kickoff local holiday fundraising efforts for the community's neediest families.

The company, with more than 50 tax preparation offices and 50 retail financial service centers throughout Florida, will donate $5,000 to assist in putting on the event, and to provide food, clothing, shelter and emergency assistance to an estimated 11,000 Hillsborough County families this holiday season.

What's more, a portion of the donation will be used to purchase holiday gifts for thousands of children living in poverty.

"Amscot Financial has always been focused on supporting worthy charities and organizations like The Salvation Army," explains Amscot Financial President and CEO Ian Mackechnie.

"The Tree of Lights Benefit Breakfast presents us with a perfect opportunity to provide two services to our community at once - contribute to the needs of children and their families who are living in poverty, and provide the necessary funding for The Salvation Army to continue its mission," Mackechnie adds.

"The Salvation Army is honored to have such a strong partnership with Amscot Financial. Through their enthusiasm for our mission and dedication to the community, Amscot Financial is helping ensure that everyone in the Tampa Bay Community will have a safe and happy holiday season," explains The Salvation Army's Director of Development Moira Hinson.

The breakfast, which will be held Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 8:30 a.m. at The Tampa Convention Center, is expected to draw more than 1,000 community leaders and citizens.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., 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 subsidiary, Amscot International Money Order Company. Amscot Financial currently operates more than 50 tax preparation offices and 50 retail financial service centers throughout Florida, employing more than 1,500 people and transacting in excess of $1.5 billion annually. For additional information, please visit the company's Web site at www.amscotfinancial.com.