MANCHESTER, NH – St. Mary’s Bank announced today that it made $5.2 million in affordable housing loans and gifts in 2007. The loans and gifts were made to individuals and organizations throughout New Hampshire.

“For 100 years, St. Mary’s Bank has sought to support and strengthen the communities it serves,” said Ronald J. Rioux, St. Mary’s Bank President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we reflect on our century of service, we are especially grateful to the organizations and agencies we aid. They have been instrumental in helping individuals and families buy their first homes, achieve financial independence, educate children and so much more.”

The credit union made the majority of this year’s grants and loans through its Community Outreach Program, making over $4.1 million in financing available to low-to-moderate-income home buyers through NeighborWorks Manchester. The program also made grants to many non-profit organizations and agencies across the state, including Camp Allen, CMC/Bishops Fund, Girls Inc., Red Cross Manchester, The Way Home, Child & Family Services, Salvation Army, Chaplain Emergency Relief Fund and Manchester Community Music School.

The credit union’s largest 2007 fundraising initiative raised $11,800 for the New Hampshire Food Bank. During a yearlong event with the Manchester Monarchs, St. Mary’s contributed $100 to the food bank for every goal the Monarchs scored at home during the 2006-2007 season.

St. Mary’s contributed a total of $152,000 to various other New Hampshire charitable organizations, including the YMCA's of Manchester, Londonderry, and Nashua; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manchester, Souhegan, and Nashua; Serenity Place; The Way Home; Child & Family Services; Nashua Soup Kitchen; Nashua Pastoral Care; NH JumpStart and more.

Several of the organizations St. Mary’s supported this year are recipients of multi-year commitments. The credit union made a $50,000 contribution to Catholic Medical Center as part of its five-year, $250,000 commitment, as well as $5,000 to both the YMCA Greater Manchester and the Currier Museum of Art, as part of multi-year commitments of $25,000 to each. Other multi-year recipients include Heritage United Way, Hudson Valley Senior Center, NH Catholic Charities and Child Health Services.

St. Mary’s Bank’s commitment to the community extends far beyond monetary support. During 2007, St. Mary’s employees volunteered over 3,000 hours to various non-profit organizations. Mortgage lending officer Judy Kurisko-Lecerc received the 2007 Al Tremblay, Sr. Spirit Award from the New Hampshire Food Bank for her outstanding volunteer efforts.