Peoples Heritage Sets Up "Baby Jason" Account Statewide

Outpouring of Support for Baby Prompts DHS to Approach the Bank

Peoples Heritage Bank announced today that a savings account has been established to provide people who want to help "Baby Jason" a place to make donations to the child.

"Baby Jason" was taken into emergency protective custody by the Maine Department of Human Services on April 23 following the arrest of his parents. Since then, following heavy media attention to the case, DHS has received an outpouring of telephone calls from individuals wanting to make a donation for the benefit of this 6-week-old baby. The child, recently released from Maine Medical Center, has suffered multiple serious injuries that may require long-term medical attention.

The account, in the name of "Department of Human Services in Trust for Baby Jason," is now open at all 60 Peoples branches statewide.

"DHS envisions that these donations will assist with the child's current and ongoing medical expenses and perhaps educational needs at some point," said Meg Dempsey, Director of Public Affairs at Peoples Heritage Bank.

"Baby Jason" will temporarily remain in protective custody until such time that a suitable foster or adoptive home is located. Funds will be made available to respective caregivers for his expenses.

Peoples Heritage Bank is a Maine-based bank with more than 60 branches throughout the state, four of which operate as Oxford Bank & Trust, a division of the bank. For additional information about Peoples, visit online at http://www.peoplesheritage.com.

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