NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Nov 28, 2011) - For the fifth year in a row, [ Eastern Funding LLC ], one of the country's leading business financing companies (with a special focus on the coin laundry, convenience store, and dry cleaning industries), will once again support the United States Post Office's Operation Santa Claus by preparing, wrapping, and anonymously sending more than 300 holiday gifts to over 50 families around the United States. As part of Eastern Funding's on-going commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, [ Operation Santa Claus ] joins programs such as the American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity that receive active and financial support from the company.

Eastern's Customer Service Manager, Robert Fagan, notes, "Since 2006, when Eastern first joined Operation Santa Claus, we've managed to have a positive effect on hundreds of underprivileged families in the Tri-State area. This is a hands-on, team effort at Eastern, with company vans transporting presents and many families receiving hand-delivery by Eastern personnel and executives. We're also quite honored and privileged to work with the James Farley Post Office in particular on this important, socially responsible initiative."

Headquartered in New York City, Eastern Funding has funded loans of more than $700 million since its inception in 1997. The company's consistent growth and success in funding the laundry business is reflected in its top ranking by Monitor. Its company-wide commitment to give back to the communities it serves is evident through ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility activities such as Operation Santa Claus.

Founded by commercial banking and lending veteran Michael Fanger, Eastern Funding is a leader in financing for the [ laundry business ] and is considered a "one-stop shop" for direct lending. The company makes business financing available to facilitate new and used equipment purchases, acquisitions and refinancing of retail stores, real estate purchases, and provide fixed- and floating-rate loans.

Eastern Funding LLC is a division of Brookline Bank (NASDAQ: [ BRKL ]) with offices headquartered in New York City. For more information about the company and its services visit [ www.EasternFunding.com ].