WESTON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its annual philanthropic initiative, Year of the Child, which is dedicated to helping improve the lives of children in the Florida foster care system, Florida Community Bank (NYSE: FCB) announces its month-long backpack drive and donation collection efforts in support of National Foster Care Month.
Throughout the month of May, FCB’s 50 banking centers statewide will serve as collection points for new backpacks. At the end of the month, backpacks will be donated to local organizations that support children in foster care. In addition, FCB will activate its year-round Change for Change account, an employee-driven program used to raise money for local organizations committed to supporting children in foster care. Monies collected in May and throughout the year will be donated to organizations at year-end.
On Wednesday, May 30th, FCB will also celebrate its fourth annual FCB Blue Day, inviting customers and members of the community to join them at any FCB banking center for complimentary refreshments, goodies and a touch of blue – the official designated color of foster care that FCB team members will be wearing in support.
“FCB is proud to join with leading community organizations and our associates in support of Florida children in foster care,” said Kent Ellert, President & CEO, Florida Community Bank. “Children represent the future. For that reason, we have made it our mission through our Year of the Child platform to ensure that we do our part to continuously help improve their lives so that they have every opportunity possible to excel and thrive.”
In 2015, FCB rolled out its “Year of the Child” company-wide philanthropy initiative. Since then, FCB, its employees and customers have raised nearly $100,000 to support Florida children in foster care through the collection of backpacks, school supplies, sneakers, and holiday toys; while its employees have collectively volunteered more than 24,500 hours of their time. FCB was recognized by the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation’s 2017 Community Commitment Awards for its “Year of the Child” initiative.
Those interested in supporting FCB’s 2018 National Foster Care Month efforts by making a backpack or Change for Change donation can visit any FCB banking center and an associate will be happy to assist. Backpacks and donations collected will be distributed to the following community organizations: Brevard Family Partnership, ChildNet, Inc., Community Based Care of Central Florida, Community Partnership for Children, Inc., Devereux Community Based Care of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast, Eckerd Kids, Friends of Foster Children Forever, Kids Central, Inc., Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc, Youth Haven and The Sarasota Family YMCA/Safe Children Coalition.
About Florida Community Bank
Florida Community Bank, N.A., (NYSE: FCB) is the largest community banking company and the second largest Florida-based independent bank, and among the most highly capitalized banks in the state. Awarded a five-star rating from Bauer Financial™, FCB assets are more than $11 billion, with capital ratios that exceed regulatory standards. Since its founding in 2010, FCB has been steadfast in its commitment to delivering personalized service, innovation, and products and services equal to those offered by the national banks. Similarly, FCB recognizes the importance of community, fostering a corporate culture that promotes employee volunteerism at all levels, while supporting community-based programs and partnerships that help promote greater financial independence and improved quality of life for families. FCB serves individuals, businesses and communities across the state with 50 full-service banking centers from east to west, and from Daytona Beach to Miami-Dade. For more information, visit FloridaCommunityBank.com. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC.
