BPOP Popular Inc

Banco Popular North America, one of the nation's premier community banks, today announced its nationwide participation in Make A Difference Day 2009. Banco Popular's employees have volunteered on this special national day for eight years.

Saturday, October 24, 2009 marks the 19th Make A Difference Day. The day is the largest community service effort in the nation, uniting corporations, government leaders, charitable organizations and individuals to make a difference in their communities. Hundreds of employees of Banco Popular from California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey and New York are volunteering their time and resources to local organizations and initiatives this year.

"Chief among our core principles is service to our communities by committing our time to those in need," said David H. Chafey, President and Chief Operating Officer of Popular, Inc., the holding company of Banco Popular North America. "We stand loyal to this mission and to keeping our 116-year-old commitment to strengthen the social and economic well-being of the communities we serve. The bank is proud to continue to volunteer time, energy and support to these extraordinary community organizations."

In California, Banco Popular employees will assist the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. Volunteers will also support The Shea Riding Center, one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the country dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs.

Team members in Florida will partner with seven organizations throughout the state, including The Hope Foundation for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity of Orlando and The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. In South Florida, volunteers will partner with the Palmetto Sub-Acute Center, a home dedicated to the elderly as well as Adopt A Stray. Other team members will visit The Hope Center, an organization that provides a safe, nurturing environment for emotionally and developmentally handicapped adults.

Team members in Illinois are volunteering in over 10 organizations dedicated to families, children, the homeless and senior citizens. Make A Difference Day partnerships include Healthcare Alternative Systems (H.A.S.), Teaming 4 Technology, a program of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, Jennings Terrace, McCormick Tribune YMCA, New Mom's Inc., The Catholic Charities Northwest Region, Casa Central, and ASPIRE. These organizations provide critical community services such as health improvement, food donations, shelter and other support.

For a sixth year in a row, New York volunteers will support Project Sunshine. A record-breaking 3,000 "care" kits are expected to be created for hospitalized children nationwide with the aim of relieving anxiety and in a context of fun and play. Other organizations include Housing & Services, Inc. (HSI) as well as BedStuy Campaign Against Hunger and Publicolor, which partners students from JHS 292 in East Brooklyn with volunteers for a mentoring session to discuss their career and education choices.

In New Jersey, volunteers will assist The Salvation Army, which helps a quarter million people each year throughout the state. Others will help Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation (PERC), which was founded on the principle that "with help there is hope." For over a quarter century, they have helped thousands of men, women and children living in poverty, providing education, shelter, food, employment, and access to mainstream services.

Note: Photographs of select events are available.

About Banco Popular:

As a premier community bank, Banco Popular North America (BPNA) provides sound lending and financial opportunities to a diverse group of consumer and business customers across the United States.

First established in the United States in 1961, Banco Popular North America today operates more than 100 branches across five states: California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey and New York. BPNA also markets online deposit accounts through its subsidiary E-LOAN, which also offers loan customers the option of being referred to a trusted consumer lending partner.

Banco Popular North America is part of Popular, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed (NASDAQ: BPOP), full-service financial services provider with operations in Puerto Rico, the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

For more information about Banco Popular North America, visit the company's Web site at www.bancopopular.com.

CONTACTS: Enrique Martel Banco Popular (787) 920-3121 Email Contact Fran Del Valle (212) 717-5499 Email Contact