March 5, 2008 (Westerly, Rhode Island). . .The Washington Trust Company kicked off the "PB Xpress," its annual peanut butter drive, on Monday, March 3rd; the drive will run until Saturday, April 5th. Washington Trust has collected peanut butter during the month of March since 2001 and to date has donated 44 tons of peanut butter to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. In 2007, 12 tons were collected through efforts of Bank employees, customers, businesses and more than 30 schools.
"In our current economic environment the need for Food Bank assistance is greater than ever," said Elizabeth B. Eckel, senior vice president of marketing, Washington Trust. "Washington Trust can help by serving as a drop off point and raise general awareness of this need. Our goal for 2008 is to collect 13 tons."
Customers of Washington Trust and members of the community are invited to stop by any of the Bank's branches and donate a jar of peanut butter during the month of March.
On Saturday, April 5th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tanya Cruise from radio station Lite 105 will broadcast live at the Bank's Cranston branch at 645 Reservoir Avenue. There will also be a visit by the Providence Bruins mascot "Samboni," ticket give-aways and other activities.
More than 100 business and schools throughout the state will also participate by holding peanut butter drives and displaying drop boxes, giving employees and students the opportunity to help those in need and learn hands-on about the importance of serving their community.
Businesses and schools interested in signing up to help should contact Charlene Davenport, Public Relations Officer at Washington Trust, at cpdavenport@washtrust.com , or 401-348-1363.
The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a $2.5 billion corporation headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the largest independent bank and the oldest community bank in the nation, headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including business banking, personal banking, and wealth management and trust services, through its offices located in Rhode Island, southeastern Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Corporation's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.