BankNewport’s “Kind Heart Warm Soles” Drive Collects Over 1,800 New Pairs of Socks for Rhode Island’s Unhoused Population

NEWPORT, R.I.  (November 1, 2023) – 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 7^th and September 12^th.

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.

 

Photo Captions (pictured from left to right):

 

Conexion Latina (Newport):

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.

Connecting for Children and Families (Woonsocket):

Pamela LaBreche, VP/Business and Commercial Lending Officer, BankNewport; Karen DaCunha, VP/Residential Loan Officer, BankNewport; Carlos Cabral, VP/Branch Manager, BankNewport; Erin Spaulding, Executive Director, Connecting for Children and Families; and Taylor Crossley, Development and Communications Coordinator, Connecting for Children and Families.

 

Jonnycake Center for Hope (South Kingstown):

Kharissa Wilson, Member Services Specialist, Jonnycake Center for Hope; Lynn Wagner, VP/Branch Manager, BankNewport; Jennifer Hyde, VP/Director of Marketing Communications, BankNewport; Kate Brewster, Chief Executive Officer, Jonnycake Center for Hope.

Crossroads Rhode Island (Providence):

Erin Mallo, VP/Branch Manager, BankNewport; Meredith Cropper, Community Relations Specialist/Officer, BankNewport; and Ric Wild, Community Outreach & Volunteer Manager, Crossroads Rhode Island.

Mae Organization for the Homeless (Cranston):

Jessica Couto, VP/Branch Manager, BankNewport; Serina Vieria, VP/Branch Manager; Brennon Viola, VP/Cash Management Sales Officer, BankNewport; Isa Price, Executive Director, Mae Organization for the Homeless; Martinha Javid, Founder, Mae Organization for the Homeless; Ann Ullucci, VP/Branch Manager, BankNewport; and Ron Greenwood, VP/Branch Manager, BankNewport.

RI Coalition to End Homelessness (Providence):

Alex Gautieri, Statewide Street Outreach Coordinator, RI Coalition to End Homelessness; Tucker Morgan, HMIS Data & Reporting Analyst, RI Coalition to End Homelessness; Meredith Cropper, Community Relations Specialist, Officer, BankNewport; Jennifer Lopes, Providence SOAR Lead, RI Coalition to End Homelessness; Janette Perez, Community Programs Engagement Coordinator, RI Coalition to End Homelessness; Lindsay Cutler, Community Programs Manager, RI Coalition to End Homelessness; Carmen Vazquez, Social Security Disability Advocate, RI Coalition to End Homelessness.