Banking in Connecticut - Litchfield Bancorp

Thinking green, Litchfield Bancorp created Green Begins @ Home, a series of programs and events, which focus on the importance of energy efficiency and recycling. We encourage the communities we serve to join us in our efforts to promote grass roots participation in earth-friendly activities. Together we can make a difference.

During the month of July 2009, Litchfield Bancorp is offering FREE shredding of old documents. If your documents have social secu If your documents have social security numbers, account numbers, medical data, or other sensitive information, protect yourself from identity theft. Bring them to any Litchfield Bancorp office during regular business hours and we'll shred'em so you can forget'em!

*Limit 2 boxes per customer. Approximate box size 10" x 12.5" x 16"

Computer Recycling USA was our partner during April 2008 when we held a computer-recycling day to not only reduce the amount of waste going into landfills but to provide identity-theft protection to the owners of outdated computers. The hard drives were securely erased and all components recycled within the USA. The collection also provided identity-theft protection for 113 consumer and business hard drives and recycled old monitors, keyboards and printers. An added bonus is the donation made by Computer Recycling USA to ArtBecause.org, an organization that helps fund scientists working to discover the environmental causes of breast cancer.

Now that DVDs have taken over the video world, what do we do with all those VHS tapes? Litchfield Bancorp offices collected 567 VHS tapes from our customers in Oakville, Torrington, Lakeville, Washington and Litchfield. The majority of the tapes were sent to a recycling facility but we saved a few good movies and sent them to Goodwill and the Torrington YMCA for local distribution.

Our 4^th annual Shred Day, in May 2008 yielded more than 2,000 lbs of recycled paper while providing secure disposal of critical personal data. InfoShred, one of the largest professional shredding companies provided this valuable service, free of charge.

During November and February, we collected ink-jet cartridges and used cell phones and sent them to Cartridges for Kids for recycling that benefits local schools.

Our first program was an energy-saving lighting fair in partnership with the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. The fair gave people a chance to buy energy-efficient light bulbs and lamps at discounted prices. Each bulb purchased at that event yielded an average energy savings of $18, which could save the entire group as much as $10,000 a year.

In December we asked the people in our community to bring in used winter coats so we could send them to local families in need. This effort yielded an amazing 550 coats. The coats were generously cleaned by Santoro Cleaners of Torrington and then distributed by Watertown's Social Services Department and Torrington’s FISH Inc. and the Susan B. Anthony Project. As a result, many families were helped to stay warm and more comfortable.

Litchfield Bancorp is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve in and around Litchfield County. Our Green Begins @ Home events and collections have made a positive impact thanks to all our customers, neighbors and recycling partners. If you have an idea for a future program, please email it to eConnect@LitchfieldBancorp.com or call 567-9401. Together we can make a difference in our community and the world. Thanks for your help!