BBVA Compass delivers toys to elementary school in Mesa

MESA, Ariz., Dec. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The BBVA Compass Foundation donated toys to nearly 300 students today at Roosevelt Elementary 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. The initiative was created to bring happiness, hope and a better future for children. The students in grades kindergarten through second decorated holiday cookies and 33 bank volunteers distributed age-appropriate toys that included dolls, puzzles and games.  

"We are so glad that we were able to bring some holiday cheer to Roosevelt Elementary School today," said BBVA Compass Corporate Responsibility and Reputation Director Reymundo Ocanas. "It's our goal at BBVA Compass to create a better place to live and work in all of the communities in the bank's footprint. Project Blue Elf allows us to do just that by helping the public schools, the kids and their families."

The program kicked off on Nov. 20 in Laredo, Texas, and similar events were held in Birmingham, Ala., on Dec. 11 and Dallas on Dec. 16. Two more events will be held in Houston and New York on Dec. 19.

"Our employees are active in the community and committed to our mission to build a better future for all people," said BBVA Compass Phoenix City President Lynne Herndon. "And events like this — the ones that bring joy to children — are extra special to us."

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.

Project Blue Elf extends the bank's commitment to the Phoenix area. Last December, the BBVA Compass Foundation brought EverFi's Vault program to Phoenix elementary schools at no cost to schools or taxpayers. The web-based curriculum introduces students to financial literacy skills in an effort to help them cultivate good financial habits at an early age. The foundation also donated 189 new books, along with 31 tablet computers and a laptop, directly to students at Roosevelt Elementary through the bank's Reading Counts literacy program. 

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.

Editor's Note:
BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank.

SOURCE BBVA Compass