Largest Outside Donation in History of Program

National City Harbor Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the United Way of St. Lucie County "School Supplies for Students" program. This generous donation, the largest ever from an outside source in the program's 11-year history, will be used to purchase 2,000 backpacks for elementary and middle school students.

"National City's commitment to education in the communities where we live and work is something we have been dedicated to for many years," stated Mike Brown, Sr. area chairman for National City in the Central/Northeast Florida Region. "Our decision to support this program is a direct result of the deep-seated and consistent passion of our employees who are dedicated to breaking down barriers in education."

School Supplies for Students has provided supplies for more than 22,000 children in the past 11 years. On the first day of school this week, more than 4,000 students were "just like everybody else" - prepared with pencils, paper, notebooks, and crayons to help them learn. Educators overwhelmingly agree that students with the right supplies when school starts are more prepared for class, eager to work and generally have a better attitude toward school.

"I am delighted that the National City Harbor Foundation has chosen to support our program," said Cris Adams, vice president of Community Impact for United Way of St. Lucie County. "Their contribution shows support of for those in need in our community, particularly when it comes to educational opportunities for children."

Participants in School Supplies for Students are those children eligible for free lunch who are recommended to the program by principals and guidance counselors. Because there are almost 14,000 children eligible for free lunch in St. Lucie County schools, Ms. Adams hopes that the program will help even more than the 4,000 they have committed to this year.

"We are still looking for donations to help us reach and go beyond our 4,000 student goal", adds Adams. "With so many children in this community who qualify for the school lunch program, the need is there".

School Supplies for Students is still accepting donations at the United Way office. Local businesses and residents who are interested in donating to the School Supplies for Students program can call the United Way of St. Lucie office at (772)-464-5300.

About United Way
United Way of St. Lucie County is celebrating 45 years of helping people and changing lives. For more information on how to become one of the thousands of people who volunteer and invest in the community, please call 772-464-5300 or visit our website at www.unitedwayslc.org.

About National City
National City Corporation (NYSE: NCC), headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the nation's largest financial holding companies. The company operates through an extensive banking network primarily in Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri and Pennsylvania, and also serves customers in selected markets nationally. Its core businesses include commercial and retail banking, mortgage financing and servicing, consumer finance and asset management. For more information about National City, visit the company's Web site at www.nationalcity.com.