Washington Trust Adopts Families for the Holidays

January 9, 2009 (Westerly, RI). . .Washington Trust helped brighten the holidays for more than 20 families in need in Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut. Bank employees “adopted” families through local nonprofit organizations and purchased hundreds of gifts including: winter jackets, hats, gloves and mittens, toys and games, and gift cards.

“During these extremely difficult times, Washington Trust employees were extremely generous in helping to brighten the holiday season for local families,” said Elizabeth B. Eckel, senior vice president of marketing, Washington Trust.

Susan Gustaitis, executive director of Bradford Jonnycake Center in Westerly, remarked, “During the holiday season, requests for our services dramatically increase. Without the generosity and support of community organizations, such as Washington Trust, we would not be able to meet the needs of all those who come to use for assistance”.

The Bank donated “anonymously” as the following non-profit organizations provided Washington Trust with sizes, ages, and wish lists for local families in need:

• Bradford Jonnycake Center (Westerly)
• Children's Friend and Service (Providence)
• Comprehensive Community Action Program (Cranston)
• Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (Wakefield)
• Mary D. Fund (Block Island)
• North Kingstown Senior Center Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center (Pawcatuck, CT)
• Peace Dale Jonnycake Center (Peacedale)
• Town of Charlestown - DCYF W.A.R.M. Shelter (Westerly)
• Welcome House (Peace Dale) Wood River Health Services (Richmond)

The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a $2.8 billion corporation headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation and is the largest independent bank headquartered in Rhode Island. A state-chartered bank, Washington Trust offers a full range of financial services, including business banking, personal banking, and wealth management and trust services, through its offices located in Rhode Island, southeastern Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Corporation's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.Corporation's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.