Hundreds of local children are experiencing the magic of the season early thanks to the generosity of Bank Rhode Island (BankRI), its customers and staff. Through the Bank’s 20th annual Holiday Giving Tree program, the community came together to donate more than 1,500 gifts statewide, helping to brighten the holidays for underprivileged kids served by BankRI’s nonprofit partners.
In Johnston, BankRI’s local branch provided 115 gifts for children served by Tri-Town Community Action.
Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through mid-December, gifts for children of all ages poured into BankRI’s 20 branches across the state. The gifts represented the holiday wishes of children, which were written on ornaments that decorated each branch’s tree. For four weeks, community members selected ornaments to grant that child’s wish, returning to their branch to place the gifts beneath the Holiday Giving Tree. All of the gifts have since been picked up by the program’s partners, ensuring they would reach the children who will cherish them in advance of the holiday.
Among the gifts collected, some of the most popular presents donated included superhero action figures, Lego play sets, Barbie dolls, board games and puzzles, Nerf toys, arts & craft kits, Hot Wheels, and even a few bicycles.
“The old saying that it is better to give than to receive could not be more apt when you consider the community’s response to our Holiday Giving Tree,” said Mark J. Meiklejohn, President and CEO of BankRI. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s effort – helping to spread joy to children, particularly during the holiday season, is what this time of year is all about.”
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