BUFFALO, N.Y. and PARAMUS, N.J., Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hudson City Savings Bank announced today it will contribute $250,000 to the American Red Cross to assist victims of Hurricane Sandy. 

Additionally, M&T Bank plans to match all contributions made to the Red Cross by Hudson City Savings Bank employees, directors and retirees, as well as those contributions made by M&T Bank employees, directors and retirees.

The commitment announced today builds on the $250,000 corporate contribution to the American Red Cross already announced by M&T Bank. The two companies have now made contributions totaling $500,000 and will work together to raise additional funds for the American Red Cross.

"This was the worst storm ever to hit many communities in our home state of New Jersey and the surrounding New York City metropolitan area. Many communities have suffered unimaginable devastation and we're joining together with our employees, associates, customers and neighbors to help the Red Cross aid in the relief effort," said Hudson City Chairman and CEO Ronald E. Hermance, Jr.

"The communities affected by this unprecedented disaster face many immediate needs, and they face a long-term rebuilding effort.  With Hudson City Savings Bank, we will work together with our employees, customers, friends and neighbors to help meet both their short-term and long-term needs," said M&T Bank Chairman and CEO Robert G. Wilmers.

M&T and Hudson City Savings Bank will also accept contributions from the public at any of the more than 850 branches operated by the two banks.

On August 27, 2012, Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HCBK) and M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE: MTB) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Hudson City will merge into a subsidiary of M&T, expanding the premier community banking franchise in the eastern United States.

The merger has been approved by the boards of directors of each company, and is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by M&T's and Hudson City's common shareholders.  

M&T Bank is also offering lending assistance to small businesses and consumers impacted by the storm. For additional information, visit www.mtb.com/newsroom.

Visit www.mtb.com to find the nearest M&T Bank location.  M&T Bank is the principal bank subsidiary of Buffalo-based M&T Bank Corporation, which serves customers at branch offices located in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia.

Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. maintains its corporate offices in Paramus, New Jersey.  Hudson City Savings Bank, a well-established community financial institution serving its customers since 1868, is the largest thrift institution headquartered in New Jersey.  Hudson City Savings Bank currently operates a total of 135 branch offices in the New York metropolitan and surrounding areas.

Media contact information:

M&T Bank Corp: Chet Bridger 716-842-5182

Hudson City Savings Bank:  Susan Munhall 201-967-8290

SOURCE M&T Bank