MEDFORD, OR -- (Marketwire) -- 01/08/13 -- PremierWest Bank, a subsidiary of PremierWest Bancorp (NASDAQ: PRWT), is pleased to announce the winners of The "Community Star Award - Holiday Edition," a Facebook-based challenge honoring volunteerism in our communities. In this challenge, community members nominated and then voted for individuals who best represent extraordinary volunteerism during the holidays.

In a very close contest, the winner was announced as Kathy Greager and her organization "Lightly Loved Toys" of Medford, OR. For over 11 years, Kathy and her family have gathered used and new toys and distributed them to children who otherwise would not have experienced the joy a holiday gift can bring. Working through Headstart, families in need come to a central location and choose gifts that their children would enjoy; each may choose large gifts, small gifts and stockings already stuffed with goodies. Kathy and her family, along with other volunteers, work throughout the year gathering lightly loved toys. In 2012, over 1000 kids received toys as a result of their efforts. PremierWest has donated $1500 to Lightly Loved Toys as they begin collecting toys for next season.

Two other finalists have been recognized by PremierWest with a donation as well. They are Bryce Thornton of Eagle Point, OR, who annually puts together hundreds of gift boxes to send to our troops in Afghanistan, and Bob Crews of Medford, representing the residents of Greystone Court, who gather cash and food donations for Access Food Share during their remarkable holiday lighting display that is visited by thousands each year.

Ken Wells, Chief Marketing Officer of PremierWest, said: "It's very gratifying for PremierWest to be able to recognize individuals whose selflessness inspires our local citizens to nominate and vote for them. All of our nominees in this campaign are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work. New Community Star Awards will be launched on Facebook each quarter of the year to recognize the volunteerism of a unique group such as veterans, teachers, students and more."

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ABOUT PREMIERWEST BANCORP

PremierWest Bancorp (NASDAQ: PRWT) is a financial services holding company headquartered in Medford, Oregon, and operates primarily through its subsidiary PremierWest Bank. PremierWest Bank offers expanded banking-related services through its subsidiary PremierWest Investment Services, Inc.