US Bank, CheckFree Encourage Bill Pay with Toys for Tots Benefit

The goal is to raise $50,000 for Toys for Tots, an organization created and run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Their mission is to collect and distribute new, unwrapped toys as gifts to needy children in the community. Toys for Tots organized collections in more than 600 communities across the United States last year, bringing joy to the faces of nearly 7.5 million children.

"The holiday season can sometimes add stress to our already busy lives, which is why we encourage our customers to use Internet bill pay now more than ever. This year, we are adding an even more compelling reason to pay bills online, which is the opportunity to make this a holiday to remember for many kids who have had it tough this year, and to do it with just a few clicks of a mouse," said Rick Hartnack, vice chairman of consumer banking at U.S. Bank, and a veteran of the U.S. Marines. "We commend our partners at CheckFree, and especially our friends in the Marine Corps who make Toys for Tots an outstanding charity."

"Every year during this special time the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation counts on special miracles to occur. This year we are so pleased that U.S. Bank and CheckFree have teamed up to help raise enough money to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of over 5,000 needy children," said retired Marine Major Bill Grein, the vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "Every person who pays five bills online will enable us to provide a gift for one child who otherwise might be overlooked this year. It's never fun paying bills, but U.S. Bank and CheckFree can sure make it feel a lot better."

"The holidays are a special time in the life of any child, and CheckFree hopes a donation to Toys for Tots will encourage many U.S. Bank customers to pay at least five bills online this holiday season," said Alex Hart, executive vice president and general manager, CheckFree Electronic Banking Services. "This is the perfect time for U.S. Bank customers to begin managing their bills online - they can enjoy the security and convenience of electronic payments while benefiting children in their communities."

Customers can watch the gifts pile up in a special Toys for Tots gift ticker at the U.S. Bank Internet Bill Pay site. Those who are new to U.S. Bank Internet Banking will be happy to know that they are saving time and stamps, and enjoying extra security when they pay their bills online.