The holiday season’s here, and once again Crews Bank & Trust branches have stepped up as collection sites for Christmas gifts for kids who need a little extra cheer. Every donation goes out through St. David’s Jubilee Center of Englewood, The Salvation Army, and the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club, all local groups with real roots in the community.
“Our customers and neighbors have made generosity a tradition, especially around the holidays,” said M.W. “Larry” McLaren IV, Chief Banking Officer at Crews Bank & Trust. “We’re glad to help them keep that spirit alive. When you drop a gift off at one of our branches, it goes right to organizations that actually understand who needs help most. Together, we’re making Christmas brighter for kids and teens nearby.”
A new gift, something many of us take for granted, reminds families in tough situations that someone cares and that the magic of the holidays is still alive.
Here’s how you can pitch in:
Englewood-Area Branches Team Up with St. David’s Jubilee Center
St. David’s Jubilee Center supports people throughout Englewood, with programs like a food pantry, a clothing closet, and a backpack snack initiative for kids. At Christmastime, they also give out presents to children and teens.
Every year, gifts for teens are in the shortest supply. People think about little kids, but teenagers often get overlooked. If you want to help, think about picking up fishing gear, sports balls, board games, books, arts and crafts supplies, or personal care sets. New, unwrapped gifts for any age are welcome. Drop them off through November 30 at one of these Crews Bank & Trust locations:
- Gulf Cove: 12651 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri
- Cape Haze: 8725 Placida Road, Suite 10, Placida, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Fri
- Boca Grande: 301 Park Ave., Boca Grande, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Fri
Salvation Army Wish Lists at Branches
The Salvation Army has lent a hand to people in need since 1865, helping millions each year with food, shelter, and more.
If you stop by select branches, you’ll find wish cards for local kids and seniors. Pick a card, or several, buy the listed gifts, and return them (unwrapped and with the wish card attached) by November 30. Here are the drop-off sites:
- Peachland: 24163 Peachland Blvd., Port Charlotte, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri
- Murdock: 1100 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri
- Parkside: 3002 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri
- Punta Gorda: 2331 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri
- North Port: 4300 Aidan Lane, North Port, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Fri
- Venice: 207 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon–Thurs, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Fri
- Sarasota: 15 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon–Fri
The Venice and Sarasota branches also collect gifts for seniors.
Bowling Green Branch & Florida Flywheelers Run a Food & Toy Drive
In Bowling Green, Crews Bank & Trust is teaming up with the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club to collect new toys and nonperishable food. Items go out to families helped by Frostproof Care Center, Help of Ft. Meade, Lake Wales Care Center, and Avon Park Professional Firefighters. Bring donations to 4821 U.S. Highway 17 N, Bowling Green, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday. Donations accepted through December 11.
Every little bit helps, and together, we can make the season brighter for kids and families right here in our own neighborhoods.
Click here for more information.
