Tampa , FL., September 17, 2004/PR Newswire/ - Amscot Financial announced today that they have teamed up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and The Children's Cancer Center to touch the lives of children and families coping with cancer. Each time the Tampa Bay Buccaneers score a touchdown during the 2004 regular season, Amscot Financial will donate $500 to The Children's Cancer Center, located in Tampa, Florida.

Presently, an unprecedented number of children in the Tampa Bay area are being treated for some form of cancer. With the Center's budget reaching double of what it was last year, funding for their support programs is challenged. The Center does not receive any public, federal or state funding; therefore, they are supported solely through the community.

“We're very excited about this opportunity to team up with The Children's Cancer Center to make a difference in children's lives here in Tampa Bay ,” said Ian A. MacKechnie, Executive Vice President of Amscot Financial. “These children are facing incredible odds and we want to help them and their families beat those odds.”

“Support from local businesses and corporations is so invaluable to us. It keeps us from having to say no to anyone who is in need. Every touchdown will make it easier. Every touchdown will touch the family of a child with cancer,” said Mary Ann Massolio, Executive Director of the Children's Cancer Center.

The Children's Cancer Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children who have cancer or chronic blood disorders and their families with the emotional, financial and educational support necessary to cope with their life-threatening illnesses. The Center helps the youngsters adapt to chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, transfusions and other forms of treatment. They help the children cope with changes in their bodies, their family structures and their normal daily activities.

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 and employs more than 1,500 people. For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.amscotfinancial.com.