November 2015
Make the Most of
Year-End Giving
According to Giving USA, Americans donated over $358 billion to charity in 2014 - the highest total in 60 years. Nearly 1/3 of annual giving takes place in the month of December, coinciding with the holiday season.

If you are planning to make a charitable donation before the end of the year, here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your year-end giving.

Know who. 
Be sure you've done your research on the organization. You'll not only want to verify that their mission aligns with your reasons for donating, but you'll also want to have a good idea of how donations are distributed. Do they stay local or are they sent to other places? Are they used toward needs that the organization supports or toward operating costs? Is the organization qualified, meaning that your donation is tax deductible according to the IRS.? There are no right or wrong answers to these questions - just make sure that you understand and are comfortable with your choice.

Know how.
Most organizations accept monetary gifts in the forms of cash, check, credit card, etc. Be sure to keep a bank record (canceled check and/or credit card statement) or obtain a written statement from the charity in order to deduct a monetary of any amount. The record should show the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution. Many charities also accept gifts of mutual funds or stock options. If you're considering donating via one of these options, it's best to work directly with your financial 
advisor to ensure that your gift is in line with any applicable rules.

Know when.
Contributions are deductible in the year they are made. This means that all gifts - regardless of whether they are cash, check or credit card - made before midnight on December 31st can claimed on your 2015 tax return. To be sure, consider making your donation early so that you have enough time to obtain the necessary records before tax season.

More information about year-end giving is available on the IRS website.
Help us Stamp Out Hunger!

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PSB is teaming up with Alpha Media and other local businesses to support the Midwest Food Bank in the largest food drive in central Illinois. 

This year's goal for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is to collect 40,000 pounds of food, enough to fill a semi! 

Help us reach that goal by dropping off nonperishable food items at our Peoria (Grand Prairie) location before November 19th.
Save the Date!
PSB Holiday Open House/Appreciation Event
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 8th from 4:30-6 p.m. in Peoria and/or Thursday, December 10th from 4-5:30 p.m. in Princeville and plan to join us for an open house that celebrates the upcoming holiday season and you, our valued friend and customers! Watch for more details available in both branches soon.
Join us for Holiday Homecoming!
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Princeville's Holiday Homecoming is on Saturday, December 5th from 4-7 p.m. and PSB is taking part! Come join us for this annual event organized by the Princeville Civic Association that showcases the downtown business district and provides a holiday social event families.