Tampa , FL., October 15, 2004/PR Newswire/ - Each year, Amscot Financial partners with Tampa Bay area law enforcement agencies to promote a heightened awareness on traffic safety, especially among our children. Amscot Financial's “Kids First” Program provides the bicycle helmets, with a total retail value of $150,000, at designated Amscot locations, while local law enforcement personnel help find the appropriate size for each of the youngsters and explain the importance of wearing the helmets every time they ride their bikes.

“Each year, our focus remains on providing local children with quality bicycle helmets and encouraging parents to follow bicycle safety laws,” said Ian A. MacKechnie, Executive Vice President of Amscot Financial. With over 100 bicycle deaths occurring each year in the state of Florida , more effort is being undertaken to protect young bicyclists to ensure they are wearing their helmets. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Colonel Jose Docobo encouraged the children, “I never get on my bicycle, even though I'm an adult, without wearing my helmet.” The partnership between Amscot Financial and law enforcement continues to grow each year. “It's a win-win situation for the kids,” said Richard Holland, Vice President of Security at Amscot Financial.

The free bicycle helmet distribution has increased to an eight-county area this year. Participating law enforcement agencies included:

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 75 tax preparation offices and 75 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.