Wash Trust kicks off PB Xpress

PROVIDENCE – The Washington Trust Co. is banking on collecting at least 23 tons of peanut butter in March and April for its 10th annual PB Xpress drive that started last week.
Saying that the number of hungry families is on the rise, Washington Trust is asking its employees, customers and others to donate jars of peanut butter that will be turned over to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Reaching this year’s goal would push the amount of peanut butter collected since the drive began in 2001 to more than 100 tons.
“We are committed to reaching this goal and helping to reverse the disturbing level of hunger in Rhode Island,” Joseph J. MarcAurele, Washington Trust’s president and chief operating officer, said at the kick-off at the food bank last week. “People ask us why peanut butter? Our answer is simple. It’s high in protein, is a favorite of many children and adults, but it is cost-prohibitive for many families.
“At the same time, it’s easy for those of us who are not struggling to pick up a jar of peanut butter and make a donation. And by doing so, a hungry family can make up to 16 peanut butter sandwiches.”
PB Xpress organizers credit the success of annual campaign to schools, nonprofit organizations and businesses that get involved.
Washington Trust said it has a created a Facebook fan page and a Web site, www.peanutbutterbank.com, to increase awareness and generate enthusiasm.
The bank also launched the PB Xpress Pledge to End Hunger and announced a partnership with Cox Communications, which will provide public service announcements and a chance for donors to win tickets to the “The 101 Dalmatians Musical” at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Drop-off sites include Washington Trust’s 18 branches, participating schools, businesses and other organizations. The food bank will make pickups if 300 jars or more have been collected at one site.
The bank also will have a “Washington Trust/PB Xpress Night” at the March 26 Providence Bruins game, at which peanut butter donations will be accepted. Additionally, Washington Trust will hold a “collection day” at its Governor Francis branch in Warwick on Saturday, April 24.
For more information, visit www.peanutbutterbank.com.
Washington Trust Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq: WASH) is the parent of The Washington Trust Co., a Rhode Island-chartered bank founded in 1800 that has offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and southeastern Connecticut. Additional information is available at www.WashTrust.com.