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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Volunteers make more than 500 birthday gift bags for children in need
Pioneer Services' associates help Operation Breakthrough while on the clock

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Jan 07, 2010) Associates at Pioneer Services, the Military Banking Division of MidCountry Bank, recently volunteered their time and creativity to help hundreds of local children celebrate upcoming birthdays with a unique gift. In an effort to assist Operation Breakthrough—a local nonprofit that provides child care for up to 670 children—and to give back to the community while at work, Pioneer Services associates were asked to decorate a number of "birthday bags." The bags will be stuffed with goodies and presented to children on their birthdays throughout the year.

To encourage participation, and have some fun at the same time, Pioneer Services sponsored an internal decorating contest in which associates were asked to come up with their most creative and innovative ideas. A committee then selected the top 15 creations, and associates voted for the top three designs. The company provided all the materials necessary to decorate, while the associates provided their time, talent, and creativity.

More than 500 bags were created over a 10-day period in what, at times, became a spirited and competitive contest. First place went to a Sponge Bob Square Pants design, second to a Mickey Mouse gift bag, and third place went to a polka-dot and hearts creation.

"Our corporate culture really recognizes the importance of giving back to the community, and our associates enjoyed this opportunity to team up with the folks at Operation Breakthrough," said Karen Von Der Bruegge, chief marketing officers at Pioneer Services. "Of course, the real winners were the kids, who will have nice keepsake thanks to all those who helped in this effort."

Pioneer Services, the military banking division of MidCountry Bank, provides financial services and award-winning financial education to members of the Armed Forces. For more than 20 years, Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending, offering military loans through a network of offices and on the Internet. Pioneer Services is proud to support military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships. For more information, visit PioneerServices.com. For loan information, visit PioneerMilitaryLoans.com.

For more information visit www.PioneerServices.com. For loan information, visit PioneerMilitaryLoans.com.

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Scott Cahill
Public Relations, Pioneer Services
media@pioneerservices.com
ph: 816-448-2300
fax: 816-561-9333

All loan applications subject to our credit policies. No official US military endorsement is implied. MidCountry Bank is a member FDIC.

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