Karl Haynes, Home Equity Specialist, BankNewport; Shawn Duarte, VP/Retail Learning Manager, BankNewport; Rebekah Gomez, Executive Director, Conexion Latina; Elaine Bergeron, VP/Residential Lending Operations Manager, BankNewport; Erin Lynch, AVP/Commercial Relationship Supervisor, BankNewport; and Evan Rose, VP/ Retail Sales Support Manager, BankNewport.

As part of its All In Giving program, BankNewport is pleased to announce that its “Kind Heart Warm Soles” drive to benefit organizations serving Rhode Island’s unhoused population resulted in the collection of over 1,800 pairs of new adult and children’s socks from its employees and members of the community who made donations at BankNewport’s 19 branch locations around Rhode Island between August 7th and September 12th.

Representatives from BankNewport recently delivered the collected items to six organizations that provide services to underserved populations: Conexion Latina in Newport, Connecting for Children and Families in Woonsocket, the Jonnycake Center for Hope in South Kingstown, the Mae Organization for the Homeless in Cranston, as well as Crossroads Rhode Island and the RI Coalition to End Homelessness in Providence.

“The success of our ‘Kind Heart Warm Soles’ drive is a testament to the compassion and generosity of our employees and community members,” said Jack Murphy, President & CEO, BankNewport. “By coming together for this effort, we’ve taken a step toward providing comfort and warmth to those in need. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of Rhode Island’s unhoused population and will continue to stand with these remarkable organizations that work tirelessly to support underserved communities.”

Since 2016, BankNewport’s “Kind Heart” campaigns have resulted in the donation of thousands of items, including socks, bedding, and personal care items to community organizations that support underserved populations throughout Rhode Island.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...