Manchester, NH-March 3, 2006-St. Mary's Bank announced today that it granted more than $10 million in 2005 for low-income housing loans and charitable gifts to organizations in southern New Hampshire. The credit union made $9.8 million in homeownership loans through Manchester Neighborhood Housing and donated over $250,000 in charitable gifts.

"We feel it is very important to support organizations and individuals in the communities we serve, through charitable contributions that help organizations fulfill their mission and by providing housing opportunities to the underserved," said Ronald Rioux, St. Mary's Bank president and CEO. "The credit union has a long history of giving back to the community and we are pleased to continue this worthy tradition."

In addition to the $9.8 million earmarked for homeownership loans, the Community Outreach Program at St. Mary's Bank allocated another $65,000 for economic and community development loans, individual development accounts, family emergency funds and grants. Family emergency funds are distributed to individuals through a number of local agencies including; The Way Home, St. Joseph Community Services Meals-on-Wheels, Nashua Pastoral Counseling Care Center, Infant Jesus School and INTERCED Manchester Senior Computer Literacy Program, among others.St. Mary's Bank contributed $50,000 to Catholic Medical Center in Manchester as part of the credit union's $250,000 commitment over five years to the hospital's expansion efforts. St. Mary's Bank and Catholic Medical Center were both founded by Monsignor Pierre Hevey of nearby Ste. Marie Parish.

The credit union also committed $50,000 to the Medallion Fund for the Nashua-Hudson area. The scholarship program helps individuals seeking vocational technical training. Another $74,000 in contributions were made to approximately 20 organizations, including the Heritage United Way, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, New Hampshire Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army Kids Café and Easter Seals.

St. Mary's Bank donated an additional $27,000 in gifts ranging from $250 and up to a large number of organizations in communities served by the credit union, including Manchester, Londonderry, Nashua, Hudson and Milford. Organizations receiving direct financial support or sponsorship of events include the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Daniel Webster Council Boy Scouts of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Greater Manchester Family YMCA Reach Out for Youth and Families campaign, Leukemia Lymphoma Nashua Light the Night Walk, as well as dozens of other community organizations.

"Supporting these organizations is critical to the delivery of programs and services that make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and the communities they live in," said Rioux. "St. Mary's is proud to play a role in improving the lives of people throughout the region."

St. Mary's Bank is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union offering a full range of financial products and services for consumers and businesses. Known for excellent member service, competitive rates, low fees, state-of-the-art banking services and free online banking, St. Mary's Bank is headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire. Call 1-888-786-2791 or visit www.stmarysbank.com for more information.