Raymond James financial advisors and associates donated time, money and goods throughout August as part of the firm’s fourth annual Raymond James Cares Month.

More than 1,400 professionals in 27 states volunteered 3,985 hours for 90 organizations.

Overall, Raymond James associates prepared 4,520 meals for individuals and families in need; collected and distributed 9,259 household goods and non-perishable items; and donated backpacks and school supplies to benefit 3,083 children.

In total, the number of participants and volunteer hours increased 13 percent and 39 percent over 2013, respectively.

Raymond James Cares was formally introduced in 2011 in the Atlantic division branches of the firm’s employee broker/dealer. Since the initiative expanded to the entire firm in 2012, associates have volunteered nearly 11,000 hours, says the firm.