Litchfield Ocean State Job Lot donates funds to town

LITCHFIELD —Ocean State Job Lot celebrated the grand opening of its 130th store in Litchfield on March 17. This 24,000 square foot. location, a former Stop & Shop, is Ocean State Job Lot’s 28th location in the state. The store’s arrival brings 50 new jobs and restores vibrancy to this previously vacant retail location.

During its grand opening celebration, executives and Litchfield store manager Steve Zembrzuski presented a $500 check to the Litchfield Prevention Council, the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation’s “Close to Our Heart” recipient. The Litchfield Prevention Council supports the town’s drug education program. OSJL also donated a kayak outdoor package valued at $750 for use in a future Prevention Council raffle.

“We could not be more appreciative to the town of Litchfield, First Selectmen Leo Paul, and the Litchfield Prevention council for their enthusiastic support during the opening of our 28th Connecticut location,” said David Sarlitto, Executive Director, Ocean State Job Lot, in a statement. “We strive to connect to the local communities in which we operate, and we look forward to a long partnership with the town of Litchfield.”

In addition to its Close To Our Heart donation, Ocean State Job Lot donated $1,000 in gift cards at the end of its inaugural Discount Dash for Charity, which featured local media members and dignitaries competing in a timed scavenger hunt for select Ocean State Job Lot products. First Selectman Leo Paul took first place, collecting a $500 gift card for Wounded Warriors; CT Ain’t So Bad Bloggers Jessica Bishop and Jenna Kijowski won a $250 gift card for the Connecticut Food Bank, and Amy Ferrarotti of WZBG 97.3 radio won a $250 gift card for the Friendly Hands Food Bank in Torrington.

Customers who attended the grand opening also had the opportunity to enter into a raffle for an additional $200 Ocean State Job Lot gift card. To reach the store, call 860-295-4681.

Contributed photo/Ocean City Job Lot / From left are Bob Dinello, Ocean State Job Lot district manager; Steve Zembrzuski, Ocean State Job Lot store manager; Doreen Howarth, Ocean State Job Lot assistant store manager; Jon Torrant and Anne Dranginis, Litchfield selectmen; James Hines, Ocean State Job Lot regional director; Leo Paul, Litchfield first selectman; Jaime Makuc & Mikki Pettinicchi, Litchfield Prevention Council; Cleve Fuessenich, Chairman of the Litchfield Economic Development Commission; and David Sarlitto, executive director, Ocean State Job Lot.

Contributed photo Ocean State Job Lot in Litchfield celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 17. During a Discount Dash scavenger hunt are from left, are Leo Paul, Litchfield first selectman; Jenna Kijowski, blogger for CT Ain’t So Bad; and Amy Ferrarotti, DJ, WZBG radio.