The company is also expanding the reach of relief programs it established earlier this month in response to Hurricane Katrina to meet the needs of customers affected by Hurricane Rita.
“Many of our employees, customers, friends and neighbors have been seriously affected by Hurricane Rita. Wachovia employees from across Texas have already pitched in to help, but the region will need additional support over the long haul to get back on its feet. We want to help.” said Guy Bodine, Wachovia’s Texas CEO. “We think The Foundation of Southeast Texas is the right place to start our financial support for the long-term rebuilding of our Gulf Coast communities.”
During the 2005 hurricane season so far, Wachovia has contributed $2.9 million to hurricane relief. The company’s employees have contributed an additional $700,000 in personal donations.
Wachovia and SouthTrust are continuing to accept donations to the American Red Cross for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief efforts through their financial centers and Web sites. To date, this effort has raised more than $6.1 million.
Donations to the American Red Cross may be made at any Wachovia or SouthTrust financial center in any state except Georgia. Because of a previous arrangement with Atlanta’s WSB Channel 2 TV, donations to the American Red Cross can be made by giving to the Family 2 Family Relief Fund in Georgia financial centers.
Donations can also be made at www.wachovia.com, www.southtrust.com and through Wachovia’s Bank by Mail program.
Wachovia will also continue to match an additional $1,000 per employee for donations made to the American Red Cross through the end of the year, with no cap on the total amount of donations to be matched. The program regularly matches up to $4,000 per employee per year for donations to educational institutions and other nonprofits.
Special information and programs for customers
SouthTrust/Wachovia has re-opened all of its financial centers in Houston. In Beaumont, Texas, two financial centers are open with limited service. Customers seeking information about Wachovia financial center locations and hours can call 800-WACHOVIA (922-4684). For SouthTrust financial centers, customers can call 800-CALL-STB and press 0 to speak to a representative.
SouthTrust/Wachovia continues to provide assistance to hurricane victims through special payment arrangements for customers, special loan assistance offers and ATM fee waivers.
Customers with installment loans or lines of credit who need to make special payment arrangements can call 800-334-3601.
Customers with Wachovia Prime Equity Lines can request an increase in their lines by calling 866-421-2779.
Special unsecured installment loans are available at preferred rates. Loans can be requested in amounts from $3,000 to $15,000. They have no points or fees, and the first payment is deferred for 60 days. Customers can call 1-866-421-2779 for information or to apply.
Wachovia Mortgage Corp. is offering forbearance for the next 60 days. This includes the waiving of late charges and credit reporting for all customers in areas affected by the storms.
SouthTrust Bank, which is now owned by Wachovia, is temporarily waiving fees at its ATMs in Mobile, Baldwin and surrounding counties in Alabama and at its locations throughout Mississippi and Texas. Wachovia-branded ATMs in Texas also will temporarily waive fees.
SouthTrust/Wachovia has initiated special check cashing procedures for non-depositors. For non-depositors in affected regions, Wachovia will cash checks up to $200 drawn on accounts with other banks. One form of identification and thumb printing is required.
At present, the bank has also entered into special agreements with McDonald’s Corp., State Farm Insurance, MetLife Inc. and Allstate Insurance to cash checks drawn on their accounts.
Other programs are available. Customers with questions about what assistance may be available to them can call 800-Wachovia (922-4684).
About Wachovia
Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB) is one of the largest providers of financial services to retail, brokerage and corporate customers, with retail operations from Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas, and retail brokerage operations nationwide. Wachovia had assets of $511.8 billion, market capitalization of $78.2 billion and stockholders’ equity of $47.9 billion at June 30, 2005. Its four core businesses, the General Bank, Capital Management, Wealth Management, and the Corporate and Investment Bank, serve 13 million household and business relationships primarily through 3,126 offices in 15 states and Washington, D.C. Its full-service retail brokerage firm, Wachovia Securities, LLC, also serves clients through 699 offices in 49 states and five Latin American countries. The Corporate and Investment Bank serves clients primarily in selected industries nationwide. Global services are offered through 40 offices around the world. Online banking and brokerage products and services also are available through Wachovia.com.
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