Winter Haven, FL., September 16, 2004/PR Newswire/ - Amscot Financial, a Florida-based tax and retail financial services company, is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its new Winter Haven location at 111 Cypress Gardens Blvd. on Saturday, September 18, 2004 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Entertainment for the event will be provided by stilt walker Billy Scadlock from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and 97.5 WPCV radio station will be broadcasting live from Amscot's parking lot and giving away prizes. Free refreshments will be served courtesy of Hungry Howie's Pizza.

During the event, Amscot Financial will present a check for $1,000 to Computers for Kids, Inc., a recently formed non-profit corporation whose primary mission is to provide home computers for less fortunate families with school-age children. Founded in April 2004, the organization is solely supported by the community through financial contributions and the donation of used computers. The founder and volunteers with the organization refurbish the donated computers. Families who need a computer complete an application and the child receiving the computer must prove how it will benefit their family and education by writing an essay. To date, twelve computers have been refurbished and donated to those in need.

Also participating in the grand opening event is Child Protection Education of America, Inc. (CPEA), a national nonprofit organization for missing children based in Tampa, FL. The CPEA will be available on-site to provide fingerprinting for children through their "ID ME NOW" program, which produces a state-of-the-art, specially designed card for parents to keep. The card contains a set of the child's digital fingerprints, a black and white photo of the child, a dental chart, and instructions on how to do a simple DNA collection. Safety brochures are provided with the fingerprint card, as well as an envelope containing further information on how to complete their child safety kit. This information can assist parents and law enforcement officers involved with a missing child case. An interactive child safety CD-ROM can also be purchased for $5.00 at the event.

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 more than 70 tax preparation offices and 70 retail financial service centers throughout Florida, employing more than 1,500 people. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.amscotfinancial.com.