FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information contact:
Niki Smith LeVasseur, 941-624-1923
Crews Bank & Trust Collecting Holiday Gifts for Children in Need
CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST, Fla., Nov. 10, 2026 — Crews Bank & Trust branches are once again serving as collection sites for Christmas gifts for children in need. Donations will be distributed through St. David’s Jubilee Center of Englewood, The Salvation Army and the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club.
“Our customers and neighbors have a long tradition of opening their hearts during the holidays, and we’re proud to once again make it easy for them to give,” said M.W. “Larry” McLaren IV, Chief Banking Officer at Crews Bank & Trust. “Every gift dropped off at our branches goes directly to local organizations that know the needs of our community best, helping make the season a little brighter for children and teens close to home.”
By providing a brand-new gift, something many families take for granted, the community can help those less fortunate believe that someone cares and that the magic of the holiday season hasn’t passed them by.
Englewood-Area Branches Support St. David’s Jubilee Center
St. David’s Jubilee Center of Englewood provides services and resources to individuals and families in need throughout the greater Englewood area. In addition to operating a food pantry, clothing closet and backpack program offering kid-friendly snacks, the Jubilee Center also distributes Christmas gifts to children and teens.
The greatest need each year is for gifts for teenagers, as this age group is often overlooked in traditional toy drives. Suggested items for teens include fishing equipment, sports balls, board games, books, arts and crafts supplies and personal care sets. New, unwrapped gifts for all ages are appreciated and help bring holiday joy to those who might otherwise go without. Donations may be dropped off at the following Crews Bank & Trust locations through Nov. 30:
- Gulf Cove branch, 12651 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
- Cape Haze branch, 8725 Placida Road, Suite 10, Placida, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
- Boca Grande branch, 301 Park Ave., Boca Grande, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday.
The Salvation Army Wish Lists
The Salvation Army, an evangelical Christian organization, has supported those in need since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through social services that range from providing food for the hungry and disaster relief to offering shelter for the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.
Customers and visitors to the bank are invited to select one or more wish cards, purchase appropriate gifts, and return unwrapped gifts (with the wish cards attached) to the branch. The Salvation Army wish lists are available through Nov. 30 at the following Crews Bank & Trust locations:
- Peachland branch, 24163 Peachland Blvd., Port Charlotte, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
- Murdock branch, 1100 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
- Parkside branch, 3002 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
- Punta Gorda branch, 2331 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
- North Port branch, 4300 Aidan Lane, North Port, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
- Venice branch, 207 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday.
- Sarasota branch, 15 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In addition to children’s wish lists, the Venice and Sarasota branches will also collect wish list items for seniors.
Bowling Green Branch Supports Florida Flywheelers
The Crews Bank & Trust Bowling Green branch is partnering with the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club on a Food & Toy Drive to collect new toys and nonperishable food to be distributed by Frostproof Care Center, Help of Ft. Meade, Lake Wales Care Center and Avon Park Professional Firefighters. Donations may be dropped off through Dec. 11 at 4821 U.S. Highway 17 N, Bowling Green, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
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Holiday gift collections are now underway at several Crews Bank & Trust branches. Pictured with last year's donations at the Cape Haze location are from left: Joe Cataldo, Crews Bank & Trust Area President; Crystal Burritt, St. David's Jubilee Center; and Joselyn Pollock, Personal Banker.

