BOSTON, Sept. 1, 2005 – Eastern Bank is currently accepting donations on behalf of the American Red Cross from customers and employees, and will provide a donation from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Donations by cash, check or money order may be made at any of the 73 Eastern Bank branches.

This marks the latest in a long line of relief efforts organized by the bank, which also coordinated donations for the victims of the recent tsunami and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, among other local causes.

“The devastation of the Gulf Coast is heartbreaking,” said Stanley J. Lukowski, chairman and CEO of Eastern Bank Corporation. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people who have lost so much in this horror, and we also wanted to show our support in a more tangible way through this fund. We hope this support will bring some relief to those who’ve suffered so much.”

The American Red Cross is overseeing civilian relief efforts in the Gulf States by distributing meals and supplies to those in need.

“We are grateful to Eastern Bank for coordinating these donations, which will quickly marshal much-needed resources to this devastated area,” said Deborah Jackson, CEO of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay.

All donations are tax deductible. Checks and money orders may be made payable to: American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.  To find the nearest Eastern Bank location, visit our branch locations page or call 1-800-EASTERN (327-8376).

About Eastern Bank Corporation
Based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest independent, mutually owned commercial banking franchise in New England.  With more than $6 billion in assets and 73 branches stretching from Merrimack Valley to Cape Cod, Eastern offers superior service, convenience and a full range of financial products for consumers, businesses, investors, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations.  Its subsidiaries are Eastern Insurance and Fantini & Gorga, a real estate advisory firm.