BankRI’s Holiday Giving Tree program continues to make a big impact, collecting 6,944 gifts for kids across Rhode Island who might otherwise go without this holiday season.
Now in its 27th year, the program has expanded its reach to Middletown and Newport. Local branches gathered 336 presents for children supported by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County and Lucy’s Hearth.
For six weeks starting November 1, all 22 BankRI branches showcased giving trees adorned with ornaments. Each ornament represented a child’s name, age, and holiday wish from one of the bank’s nonprofit partners.
Bank customers, employees, and community members stepped up, choosing ornaments and returning with gifts to place under the trees. Popular items included LEGO sets, Play-Doh, sports gear, dolls, science kits, stuffed animals, skateboards, and remote-controlled cars.
The bank has now distributed these presents to its nonprofit partners, ensuring they reach families and children just in time for the holidays.
This year, BankRI teamed up with 15 nonprofit organizations across the state, including Adoption Rhode Island, Aids Care Ocean State, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI.
