BankNewport Launches “Kind Heart Fresh Start” Campaign to Benefit Local Homeless Population

New initiative will uplift Rhode Island communities through a collection drive and simple acts of kindness

Newport, RI – (August 3, 2021) – To further its commitment to the communities in which it operates, BankNewport is proud to announce “Kind Heart Fresh Start,” a charitable campaign designed to engage customers, employees, and the public to make a positive impact in Rhode Island through a toiletry and sock drive and through acts of kindness, August 2nd through August 27th.

The Toiletry and Sock Drive will benefit four programs that serve the homeless population in Rhode Island:  Amenity Aid, Crossroads Rhode Island in Providence, Welcome House of South County, and the Woonsocket Family Shelter.

Donations of new adult and children’s socks and new/unused/unopened personal care items, specifically toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and bars of soap, will be collected at BankNewport’s 17 branches across the state and the BankNewport City Center in Providence.

In addition to the collection drive, BankNewport and OceanPoint Insurance employees will be encouraged to complete Acts of Kindness, at work and in their communities, whether it be a note of appreciation to a colleague, helping a neighbor with yard work, holding the door for a fellow shopper, donating a pint of blood, or writing a positive review of a local small business.

“As Rhode Island emerges from the pandemic, it’s important to consider this time as a ‘fresh start’ and move forward with kindness and compassion,” said Jack Murphy, President & CEO, BankNewport. “Our goal with Kind Heart Fresh Start is to start ‘banking kindness’; to support those in need and to provide a reminder of the immeasurable impact a simple act of kindness can have on a coworker, neighbor, or even a perfect stranger…and it doesn’t cost a thing.”

BankNewport has a long history of giving back to the local community. In 2020 alone, the Bank’s philanthropic efforts resulted in $1.47 million awarded to over 300 nonprofits in Rhode Island.

About BankNewport

Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island.  With $2.0 billion in assets, BankNewport is one of the oldest community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees and communities. BankNewport has 17 branch locations, with commercial lending offices in Cumberland and Providence.

BankNewport business lines include OceanPoint Marine Lending, specializing in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs, and OceanPoint Insurance, a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, providing a broad range of property casualty insurance products, including employee benefits and marine related insurance products.

Photo Caption – Pictured left to right: James Kern, Executive Director, Welcome House South County; Bette Gallogly, Shelter Manager, Woonsocket Family Shelter, Community Care Alliance; Jack Murphy, President & CEO, BankNewport; Jorge Elorza, Mayor of Providence; Karen Santilli, President & CEO, Crossroads Rhode Island; Liz Duggan, Founder & Executive Director, Amenity Aid RI.

Photo Caption – Pictured left to right: Kathleen Charbonneau, Vice President, Director of Community Relations, BankNewport; Sira Salgado, Senior Universal Banker, BankNewport’s Dorrance Street, Providence Branch; William Eaddy, Branch Operations Manager, BankNewport’s Dorrance Street, Providence Branch; Jack Murphy, President & CEO, BankNewport; Jillian Salome-Rodriguez, Universal Banker, BankNewport’s Dorrance Street, Providence Branch; Christine Hayes, Vice President, Premier Banking Manager, BankNewport; Wendy Kagan, Executive Vice President, Director of Employee and Community Engagement, BankNewport; Gregory Derderian, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Strategic Analysis, BankNewport; Carmen Diaz-Jusino, Vice President, Community Development Officer, BankNewport.