Local banks are seeing the effects of a coin shortage and are asking you to cash in those coins you have stored in a jar at home.

said Janessa Sparacino, assistant vice president banking officer, Watertown Savings Bank.

When the COVID pandemic hit, fewer people were going out. And fewer people were using bills and coins out of fear of spreading the virus.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has put a cap on how much coin it distributes, because still, one year later, it hasn't reached pre-pandemic levels.

The north country is already feeling the effect.

said Sparacino.

Watertown Savings Bank has prepared for the shortage by stocking up on coin.

As for how long this will last, no one knows. That's why the bank wants you to contribute to Operation Get Coin Moving Again.

said Sparacino.

It was a move the chain was set to make already, but the shortage and pandemic sped up that process.

said O'Connell.

To read the complete article, see:
Coin shortage continues, banks ask you to bring in your spare change(https://www.wwnytv.com/2021/07/07/coin-shortage-continues-banks-ask-you-bring-your-spare-change/)