BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The BBVA Compass Foundation donated toys to more than 250 students today at the Bertram A. Hudson K-8 School as part of its new program, Project Blue Elf, which provides toys to children in need across the bank's footprint.

The program is one component of a seasonal initiative that integrates donations from the BBVA Compass Foundation with local bank volunteer activities. During the event at the school in Birmingham's historic Collegeville neighborhood, 40 bank volunteers helped students in grades pre-K through second decorate holiday cookies and distributed age-appropriate toys that included dolls, puzzles and games.  

"Project Blue Elf was created to bring happiness and brighten the lives of children, and to help out both the public schools and nonprofit organizations who serve kids in low‐income neighborhoods," said BBVA Compass Corporate Responsibility and Reputation Director Reymundo Ocanas. "With nearly 45 percent of U.S. children in low‐income families, there is a great need to provide support to ensure their success and integration into the community."

The program kicked off on Nov. 20 in Laredo, Texas, and similar events will be held in Dallas on Dec. 16, Phoenix on Dec. 18, and Houston and New York on Dec. 19.

"It was great to see the look on the kids' faces when they got their gifts, and to see how much fun they were having," said BBVA Compass Birmingham City President Alan Register. "The program aims to bring happiness, hope and a better future for children."  

To join in the Project Blue Elf initiative, people can share the online version of the bank's holiday card at bbvacompass.com/happyholidays. The program follows the bank's 2012 holiday initiative, Mission to Feed a Million, which benefited food banks.

About BBVA Group

BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a solid position in Spain, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt region of the United States. Its diversified business is geared toward high-growth markets and relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies best practices. The Group is present in the main sustainability indexes. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.

About BBVA Compass

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 687 branches, including 351 in Texas, 90 in Alabama, 78 in Arizona, 64 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 21 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration and was recently awarded the 2013 Celent Model Bank Award for its new core banking platform. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at www.bbvacompass.com.

SOURCE BBVA Compass