Washington Trust today announced that the Bank has made contributions totaling $27,000 to the United Way of Southeastern Rhode Island and local community groups to assist those affected by the extensive flooding and power outages in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut last week. The Bank has also donated office furniture, equipment, computers, and supplies to the local community groups.
"Washington Trust and its employees are doing everything possible to help our neighbors recover from last week's devastating floods," stated Joseph J. MarcAurele, Washington Trust President and Chief Operating Officer. Adding, "We have worked closely with local officials, businesses and community groups to assess the damage and determine how we can best help. Right now, our donations of time, equipment and money will help meet the immediate needs of the community, and we will be here in the months ahead to assist in every way possible."
Dennis L. Algiere, Washington Trust's Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Community Affairs, announced that The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation has made a $15,000 contribution to the United Way of Southeastern New England's "Rhode Island Flood Recovery Fund." Algiere noted, "We're pleased to support the United Way's efforts to address the critical needs of our community." Washington Trust will also accept donations for the United Way's "Rhode Island Flood Recovery Fund" through each of the Bank's eighteen branch offices in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut.
In addition to the United Way contribution, Washington Trust has donated $12,000 to local community organizations serving the most critically damaged areas. The Bank has contributed $2,000 to each of the following community groups: the WARM Shelter, the Bradford Jonnycake Center, the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale and the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center which serve the southern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut areas; and the West Bay Community Action and Comprehensive Community Action Program, which serve the Cranston, Warwick and Central Rhode Island areas.
Elizabeth B. Eckel, Washington Trust's Senior Vice President of Marketing, also noted that Washington Trust's "CARE" volunteer teams are available to assist employees and customers with clean up, repair, or rebuilding projects. Through Washington Trust's "CARE Day" program, the Bank sends teams of 10- 20 employees into the community, during bank hours, to complete projects that require many hands and team labor.
Additional information about Washington Trust's Flood Relief Assistance Programs is available by calling the Bank's Account Information Center toll-free at 1-800-475-2265, by visiting a branch office, or online at www.washtrust.com.
The Washington Trust Company is a subsidiary of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., a $2.9 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 commercial banking, small 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 Global Select® Stock Market under the symbol WASH. Web site address: www.washtrust.com.