BankNewport's Winter Drive Offers Rhode Islanders a Helping Hand

Anyone who's spent a January morning in Rhode Island without gloves knows how quickly cold hands become a problem. With winter on the way, BankNewport is giving residents a chance to help their neighbors stay warm through its new A Hand-Up for Winter collection drive.

From November 9–28, all BankNewport locations will accept donations of new, unused gloves and mittens in adult and children's sizes. The collection will benefit three Rhode Island nonprofits: Clothes to Kids RI, Lucy's Hearth, and Project Weber/RENEW, which support individuals and families facing financial hardship and other challenges.

For families already managing everyday expenses, winter clothing can stretch an already tight budget, while those who spend much of their time outdoors face the cold more directly. Having a warm pair of gloves on hand can make a cold day a little easier, especially for people who don't have the option of heading inside when temperatures drop.

“As the colder months approach, something as simple as a warm pair of gloves can make a real difference for someone who is spending their days outside,” says Colleen Daley Ndoye, executive director of Project Weber/RENEW.

For Clothes to Kids RI, the donations will support its ongoing work providing clothing to children from low-income households and families experiencing crises. The organization distributed more than 2,500 wardrobes in 2025, helping children dress comfortably while easing some of the financial pressure on their families.

The drive continues BankNewport's tradition of collecting everyday essentials for Rhode Islanders in need. Since 2016, its seasonal Kind Heart and Kind Souls initiatives have gathered thousands of items, including clothing, bedding, hygiene products, and food, for local organizations.

Once the collection wraps up, BankNewport employees will assemble the donated gloves and mittens into winter care packages for distribution through the three participating nonprofits. For anyone looking to lend a hand this holiday season, it's a pretty simple addition to the shopping list. Pick up an extra pair of gloves or mittens and drop them off at any BankNewport location by Saturday, November 28. For more information and branch locations, visit BankNewport.com.