Astoria Federal Savings Will Match Donations to Aid in Japan Relief

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Astoria Federal Savings today announced that it will match up to $25,000 in community donations to the American Red Cross to aid relief efforts for the recent Japan earthquake and tsunami. Donations made by customers and the community at any Astoria Federal branch through April will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the bank. In addition, donations made by any of Astoria Federal's 1,700 employees will be matched on a two-for-one basis, for gifts of up to $5,000.

"We are committed to helping the people of Japan during this enormous tragedy," said Astoria Federal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George L. Engelke, Jr. Last year, when disaster struck in Haiti, Astoria Federal led the effort to raise tens of thousands of dollars in humanitarian aid through a matching gift campaign. "We invite our customers and neighbors to join us again, as we match their generous gifts dollar for dollar, all in the spirit of helping the Japanese people recover from this devastating disaster," he added.

The American Red Cross channels much-needed aid to the Japanese Red Cross which is providing medical assistance, blankets, and other humanitarian care to those affected by the earthquake and tsunami, including those who have been evacuated as a result of the nuclear power crises.

To participate in this matching gift program, please stop by any one of Astoria Federal's neighborhood branches throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester. Checks made payable to American Red Cross are preferred, however cash will also be accepted.

For information on the American Red Cross and its Japan relief effort, visit http://www.redcross.org.

Astoria Financial Corporation (NYSE: AF), with assets of $18.1 billion, is the holding company for Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association.  Established in 1888, Astoria Federal, with deposits in New York totaling $11.6 billion, is the largest thrift depository in New York.  Astoria Federal 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 mortgage loans through its banking and loan production offices in New York, an extensive broker network covering fourteen states, primarily along the East Coast, and the District of Columbia, and through correspondent relationships covering fifteen states and the District of Columbia.

SOURCE Astoria Federal Savings