BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Monroe Bank (NASDAQ:MROE) is closing the majority of its branches in Monroe County on Wednesday, October 12th, for a half-day so employees can take part in volunteer projects across the community. The volunteer effort will go ahead this year even though it usually is planned to coincide with the “Week of Caring” organized by the United Way of Monroe County. The United Way of Monroe County has moved its “Week of Caring” to the spring. Monroe Bank will also participate in the spring “Week of Caring” program.

It is the tenth year that the Company has provided paid time off to allow teams of employees to volunteer. As is the tradition, the Bank will set aside the afternoon of October 13th, close most of its branches at Noon, but keep volunteering employees on the clock until 5 p.m. Of the 212 employees working in the Bank’s Monroe County locations, 120 will provide volunteer labor to approximately a dozen local projects. A contingent will stay behind to keep two branches fully staffed and open for business.

Most Monroe Bank banking centers in Bloomington and Ellettsville and the Bank’s Loan Center will close. The drive-through Kirkwood Auto Branch at 306 E. Kirkwood and the banking center inside Marsh at 1825 N. Kinser Pike will both remain open regular with business hours for the full day. The Bedford banking center will also remain open with regular hours.

“We’re proud of our continued participation in the Day of Caring. It gives us a chance to set aside our normal routine in order to give back to our community,” said Mark D. Bradford, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Year after year employees tell me how much they enjoy this opportunity to make a difference.”

Monroe Bank employees in Monroe County will participate in nine Day of Caring projects, volunteering for such organizations as the Middle Way House, Hoosier Trails Council of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Bloomington Animal Shelter, Pinnacle School, Monroe United Ministries, Stone Belt ARC, and the Shalom Center. In addition, a handful of employees will be participating at projects with the Greene County 4-H and the Bedford Little Theater.

Monroe Bank employees outside of Monroe County have already volunteered during their own Day of Caring. Two of Monroe Bank’s three Hendricks County offices closed for a half-day on September 16, allowing employees time to volunteer at the Mental Health Association of Hendricks County.

About Monroe Bancorp
Monroe Bancorp, headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, is an Indiana bank holding company with Monroe Bank as its wholly owned subsidiary. Monroe Bank was established in Bloomington in 1892 and offers a full range of financial, trust and investment services through its 17 offices in Central and South Central Indiana. The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® National Stock Market under the symbol MROE.