BROOKLYN, N.Y., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Independence Community Bank is coming to the aid of victims of Hurricane Katrina. With more than 123 branches in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region, the Bank has established the Independence Hurricane Relief Fund for employees, customers and the general public. All donations will be matched by the Independence Community Foundation. The SI Bank & Trust Foundation will match donations on Staten Island. Proceeds of the Independence Hurricane Relief Fund will go to the American Red Cross. Alan H. Fishman, President & CEO of Independence Community Bank, said: "Hurricane Katrina has left a legacy of devastation and misery that is almost beyond comprehension. We have a strong tradition of concern and support for our own communities and have a natural instinct to reach out to help when catastrophe strikes. So we are inviting our neighbors to join with Independence employees in assisting the families and communities that have been affected." Donations may be made at any of the 123 branches of Independence Community Bank. On Staten Island, make donations at the Bank's SI Bank & Trust offices. Customer may contribute over the telephone through the Bank's toll-free Hurricane Relief Fund Hot Line, 1-877-541-5200. Mailing address for contributions from the public is: Independence Hurricane Relief Fund, 182 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11201. Marilyn Gelber, Executive Director of the Independence Community Foundation, said: "Independence responded when people needed assistance after 9/11 and after the tsunami in Southeast Asia. The scale of human suffering resulting from Hurricane Katrina moves us to act again to support the generosity and assistance that is being provided by Independence Community Bank employees and customers." "Our hearts go out to all those who have been struck by Hurricane Katrina," added Alan Fishman. "Assistance that we provide through our Independence Hurricane Relief Fund will be an important reminder to all those affected that they are not alone as they work to rebuild their lives and their communities." Independence Community Bank, established in 1850, is the region's premier community bank with nearly $18 billion in assets. The Bank has 65 branches in New York City, including 20 in Brooklyn, 14 in Manhattan, 11 in Queens; on Staten Island, its 20 branches operate as SI Bank & Trust. Long Island branches include locations in Great Neck, Melville, Garden City, Williston Park, Mineola and Manhasset. The 53 Independence branches in New Jersey include stores in Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City as well as other locations in Bergen, Essex, Union, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties. DATASOURCE: Independence Community Bank CONTACT: Michael A. Armstrong, +1-718-722-5348, +1-917-279-8437, for Independence Community Bank Web site: http://www.myindependence.com/

Copyright