Millbury Savings Bank has committed $25,000 to the local Community Energy Assistance Program, to help eligible residents meet home-heating expenses. Pictured L-R:  Judith O’Connor, executive director of Friends of the Millbury Seniors and the energy program’s coordinator; William J. Walsh, president and chief executive officer of Millbury Savings Bank

MILLBURY, MASSACHUSETTS, January 2, 2008 — For the third consecutive winter, Millbury Savings Bank has committed $25,000 to the local Community Energy Assistance Program, to help eligible residents meet home-heating expenses.

“The cost of heating a home is expected to skyrocket this winter, placing a significant financial strain on many of our fellow neighbors,” said William J. Walsh, Millbury Savings Bank’s president and chief executive officer. “We’re pleased once again to offer some needed assistance.”

The program is coordinated through the Millbury Senior Center, but is not limited to senior citizens or Millbury residents. It is open to households within the bank’s lending area, which includes Millbury, Sutton, Grafton and nearby towns. Eligibility is based on established federal guidelines for low-income individuals.  Millbury Savings Bank will provide the funding for oil (up to $350) as well as natural gas and electric (up to $300) directly to the energy supplier. Last winter, more than 65 area families received assistance.

Eligible properties include owner-occupied, single-family residences or apartments. Ineligible properties include subsidized housing, multi-family housing producing rental income (even if owner-occupied), and apartments that include heat as part of the rent.

To apply, or for assistance in determining eligibility, contact the program’s local coordinator, Judith O’Connor, executive director of the Friends of the Millbury Seniors, at the Millbury Senior Center, 1 River Street.

About Millbury Savings Bank’s Charitable Giving Program
Millbury Savings Bank has made a significant and long-standing commitment to give back to the neighborhoods it serves. Through its charitable giving program, the bank has provided much-needed financial support to community organizations in Central Massachusetts. In fact, since 1995, Millbury Savings Bank has contributed nearly $675,000 to local charitable and civic organizations, youth and senior citizen groups, and other non-profit organizations.

About Millbury Savings Bank
Millbury Savings Bank, with assets of more than $185 million, is a full-service, community-based, mutual savings bank with two offices located in Millbury. Established in 1854, the bank offers an array of savings and loan products for individuals, families, and small to mid-size businesses within Central Massachusetts. All deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). In May 2007, the bank received an exceptional performance award from Bauer Financial Reports, Inc., of Coral Gables, Florida—the nation’s leading independent bank rating and research firm—recognizing Millbury Savings Bank’s 69th consecutive quarter of five-star superior ratings.