BankRI Kicks Off Books Are Wings Drive

Throughout the month of March, Bank Rhode Island will host a book drive in partnership with Books Are Wings. Johnston residents are encouraged to stop by any one of BankRI’s 18 branch locations to donate new and gently used books.

The bank is hoping to exceed last year’s collection, which brought in more than 1,400 books. In Johnston, there is a branch at 1440 Hartford Ave.

Books Are Wings is a local non-profit organization committed to literacy by putting free books in the hands of children in some of Rhode Island’s most-needed communities — working towards a day when all children have access to books in their homes through book drives, book parties and partnership events. Books Are Wings addresses literacy issues that can be carried into adulthood.

“Research shows that a child who has 25 books or more at home, on average, will complete two more years of education than a child growing up in a home without books,” said Patricia O’Donnell-Saracino, vice president of Community Relations for BankRI. “Children who love to read develop the skills that help them not only excel in the classroom, but in life — this is an effort we at BankRI are extremely dedicated to.”

To find other BankRI branches, visit www.bankri.com.