7,576 gifts collected by BankRI for local children

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — BankRI received a record 7,576 gift donations for underprivileged children as part of its 26th annual Holiday Giving Tree program.

All gift donations were made to the program by BankRI customers, staff and community members.

BankRI’s Lincoln, Pawtucket and Woonsocket branches received a combined 2,943 gift donations for the program.

The Holiday Giving Tree program ran from November 1-December 20, when all donated gifts were given to BankRI’s nonprofit partners for distribution to Ocean State children in time for the holidays.

Giving trees were set up in branches for the program’s six-week duration, each adorned with ornaments showing the name, age and holiday wish of an individual child.

These ornaments were then selected by branch visitors who later returned with a gift to place under the tree.

“We have amazing people in our state who never miss an opportunity to help others, especially when it comes to children in need,” said President and CEO of BankRI Will Tsonos. “Our Holiday Giving Tree program continues to reach new heights after all these years, demonstrating the true holiday spirit. Thank you to all who donated!”