Astoria Federal Savings Donates $100,000 to American Red Cross to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts, Matches Customer and Employee Donations

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Nov. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Astoria Federal Savings today announced that it will donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts for the areas affected by the devastation from Hurricane Sandy. In addition to the initial donation, the 85-branch bank headquartered in Lake Success, New York, will match two-for-one of every dollar donated by its 1,500+ employees, officers and directors and will match up to $25,000 in donations made by the general public at any of its branches throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester.

"The most important thing at a time like this is helping the members of our communities and their families, many of whom are part of the Astoria Federal family, to recover from the incredible damage resulting from Hurricane Sandy," said Monte Redman, CEO of Astoria Federal Savings. "As New Yorkers struggle to get back on their feet and with so many without shelter, electricity or a means of connecting with family members, Astoria Federal Savings is committed to doing everything possible to assist with the recovery efforts."

In addition, Astoria Federal Savings is offering its local branches in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester that have power and have not been damaged to serve as public charging stations to assist those in the region who are without power.  Bank branches are currently providing the public with a safe and dry location to charge cell phones, laptops and other devices in order to remain connected with family and loved ones during this difficult time.

The vast majority of Astoria Federal's branches have re-opened and are fully operational thanks to an overall, extraordinary employee commitment. "Our employees demonstrated tremendous loyalty to supporting our customers' financial needs despite their many personal challenges. It continues to be a shining example of putting our customers first," added Redman. The bank has deployed extra staff to ensure that open branches are able to provide full service to customers throughout their recovery. As conditions improve, the bank is reopening the remaining branches in the community daily, devoting all resources available to assisting in the regions recovery.

Astoria Federal's online, mobile and telephone banking capabilities remained available throughout the storm to those with power and are experiencing increased usage during the recovery. Additionally, the bank has opted to waive fees for the use of non-Astoria Federal ATMs, overdraft and insufficient funds fees, as well as CD penalties through November 5th, 2012.

For employees, Astoria Federal is exploring alternate work facilities, carpooling and shuttles at centrally-located areas to help deal with transportation challenges due to rail system outages and limited availability of open and working gas stations.

For more information regarding which branches are open as charging stations, and how you could donate to the Astoria Federal Savings relief initiative, please visit the website, www.astoriafederal.com.

About Astoria Federal Savings
Astoria Financial Corporation (NYSE: AF), with assets of $17.0 billion, is the holding company for Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association.  Established in 1888, Astoria Federal, with deposits in New York totaling $10.5 billion, is the largest thrift depository in New York and embraces its philosophy of "Putting people first" by providing the customers and local communities it serves with quality financial products and services through 85 convenient banking office locations and multiple delivery channels, including its enhanced website, www.astoriafederal.com.  Astoria Federal commands the fourth largest deposit market share in the attractive Long Island market, which includes Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties with a population exceeding that of 38 individual states.  Astoria Federal originates residential mortgage loans through its banking and loan production offices in New York, a broker network in four states, primarily along the East Coast, and through correspondent relationships covering nine states and the District of Columbia.  Astoria Federal also originates multi-family and commercial real estate loans, primarily on rent controlled and rent stabilized apartment buildings, located in New York City and the metropolitan area.

SOURCE Astoria Federal Savings

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