WASHINGTON – The American Bankers Association Education Foundation has recognized Katahdin Trust Co. for outstanding community service in a publication that honors bankers working in their cities and towns.

The bank and its employees were honored in the second ABAEF Spirit of Giving Back publication as a financial institution that is “showing a profound commitment in America’s Promise, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of our nation’s youth.”

Katahdin Trust employees contributed more than 2,500 hours of volunteer time in 2001 for activities dedicated to youth in their local communities, according to John Prescott, president and CEO.

A mentoring program for a local day care was featured in the Spirit of Giving Back publication.

“Our employees took turns spending an hour a week at the day care center reading books and playing games with the children,” said Vicki Smith, vice president of marketing at the bank.

“What matters isn’t necessarily the activity but the time spent with the children. It’s the one-on-one contact that is most important.”

Lynda Glass, chairman of the ABA Education Foundation, said, “The Spirit of Giving Back honors the exceptional efforts made by banks that foster creativity and teamwork within the community. Thousands of banks are giving back in many ways, whether it’s through time volunteered by employees or financial resources to support community initiatives.”

Glass said nearly 2,400 banks across the country participate as a Bank of Promise in America’s Promise. Katahdin Trust was the only bank in Maine and one of 23 in the country to be recognized by the American Bankers Association.

Katahdin Trust Co., with over $250 million in assets, serves the northern Maine area with 14 offices located in Ashland, Caribou, Eagle Lake, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Houlton, Island Falls, Limestone, Mars Hill, Oakfield, Patten, Presque Isle, Van Buren and Washburn.