September 1, 2005

People's Bank and the American Red Cross Partner to Help Those Suffering After Hurrican Katrina

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - People's Bank and the American Red Cross are partnering to help Connecticut residents help those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Greater New Orleans and Gulf Coast region on Monday. Those wishing to make donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund can do so, from September 1 to September 26, at any of People's 155 branches, including its 68 Stop & Shop locations open seven days a week.

"The American Red Cross is uniquely prepared to respond to this type of natural disaster," said Parry Spahr, senior vice president of Corporate Community Relations at People's Bank, explaining People's decision to partner with the Red Cross to help those in need. "The American Red Cross maintains a specially-trained team of relief workers who can respond quickly to disasters of this magnitude. At times like this, we all want to help, but search for a way to do so. In partnering with the American Red Cross, People's Bank is making it easy for Connecticut residents to put into action their desire to help."

"The Red Cross is privileged to be the recipient of so much concern by Americans who want to help, and grateful for the partnership in caring that we have established with People's Bank," said Dianne Auger, executive director of the Southeastern Fairfield County chapter. "We are thankful that People's is helping to give Connecticut residents the chance to translate their compassion and caring into humanitarian aid through their monetary contributions." Auger added, "Gifts to the Red Cross make it possible - with the dedication and service of our volunteers - to assist the victims of Katrina with food, water, shelter, clothing and emotional support."

"The full extent of the need has yet to be determined," Spahr added. "The humanitarian aid for Americans affected by Katrina will continue to emerge over the next weeks, months and even years," he said. "The People's Bank/American Red Cross partnership will help make possible relief efforts for many who have lost virtually everything they own."

Founded in 1842, People's Bank (peoples.com) is one of Connecticut's largest banks with assets of $11 billion, more than 240 ATMs and 155 branches, 68 of which offer convenient seven-day banking in Super Stop & Shop locations across the state. A diversified financial services company, People's Bank provides consumer, commercial, insurance, retail investment and trust services to personal and business banking customers. People's Bank is the official banking partner of the University of Connecticut Division of Athletics. For more information about People's, its products and services, please call 800-772-1090, visit peoples.com or any of People's branches.