JEANS FOR JOY CAMPAIGN PROVIDES CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR AREA YOUTH

(HAYS, KS October 31, 2001) - Blue jeans are the comfortable, casual dress of choice, but soon they will mean Christmas gifts for children in Ellis County.

Jeans for Joy is an opportunity for businesses to allow their employees to have casual day and raise money to supplement the Toys for Tots/Angel Tree Program.

"Many community members are familiar with the Angel Trees located throughout the city during the Christmas season. Every tree is covered with paper angels. Each angel is imprinted with a child's name and his or her clothing or toy suggestion," said Tammy Wellbrock, (Teaming Up for Tots) TUFT president. "But unfortunately many well meaning people take angels off the trees, without returning the gifts. When that situation occurs, TUFT purchases gifts or clothing to make sure no child is left out."

Commerce Bank is helping raise funds to fill that void. Employees at each of Commerce's three Hays locations are wearing jeans on the first and third Friday of each month. In exchange for each casual day, every employee is making a $2 donation to the Jeans for Joy Campaign. The money that accumulates from now until December will be used to purchase gifts when an Angel is not returned.

In 2000, TUFT spent $2,000 to$3,000 to purchase gifts and clothing to make sure every child received a toy and item of clothing. While the donations from bank employees will raise a significant amount, additional funds will be needed to reach the goal.

"When Tammy told us about the need for funding, we started thinking of ways we could help solve this problem. We immediately decided to have "jeans days" for our employees, but after more thought, we wanted to make this a project the entire community could be part of," said Tom Thomas, President of Commerce Bank.

"We're providing additional Jeans for Joy stickers and posters so that other businesses in the community can easily participate in the fundraising effort," continued Thomas. "Employees and professionals can enjoy the chance to dress down while helping a great cause. We think this will raise awareness about the needs of families right here in Ellis County and help give the program a boost prior to the time the Angel Trees start to appear."

Businesses who plan to participate are asked to request the $2 per "Jeans Day" from employees. A business can have as few or as many jeans days as they would like and deem appropriate between now and Christmas.

To coincide with jeans days on the first and third Fridays, Commerce will also accept contributions of any size from customers and the public. The bank will also provide signage for other businesses wanting to help in collecting public donations.

Even if you can't wear jeans in the office, Deron O'Connor, loan officer for Commerce, says individuals and companies can still participate in the program.

"We're offering a variety of ways for people to get involved. Sometimes it's just not appropriate to wear jeans to work. You can still purchase stickers to show your support for kids in our area," said O'Connor. "Just about everyone can afford to make a $2 donation to help these children. It's a nice thing to do for the community, even if you don't get to wear your jeans to work."

Wellbrock hopes other businesses in Hays will join this effort.

"Whether it's making a donation to wear blue jeans for a day or having an Angel Tree or special toy drive, we really hope that other businesses and professionals will follow Commerce's lead and help us reach our goals," said Wellbrock.

Materials are currently being produced for the campaign. If your business would like more information or to request supplies, please contact Wellbrock at 625-7070 or O'Connor at 625-6542.

Commerce Bank is an affiliate of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., a registered bank holding company with approximately $11.7 billion in assets offering a full line of banking services, including investment management and securities brokerage. The Company currently operates in approximately 330 locations in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. The Company operates 25 banking centers in Southwest Missouri.

For more information contact:
Tammy Wellbrock, President
Teaming Up For Tots (formerly known as Hays Jaycees)
628-6893 (H) 625-7070 (W)
OR
Deron O'Connor, Loan Officer, Commerce Bank
625-6542 (W)

Website: www.commercebank.com
e-mail: mymoney@commercebank.com

SYMBOL: CBSH

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