Marking a generation of helping to brighten the season for children in need, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) kicks off its 25th annual Holiday Giving Tree program. The signature effort collects gifts for underprivileged kids served by local nonprofits. The program begins Nov. 1 at all 20 of the bank’s branch locations and will continue through mid-December.

In Cranston and Warwick, the bank’s six local branches have partnered with the following organizations to collect gifts for the children they serve:

• Cranston: 383 Atwood Avenue: SSTARbirth
• Cranston: 1047 Park Avenue: AIDS Care Ocean State
• Cranston: 2104 Plainfield Pike: Comprehensive Community Action Program
• Warwick: 265 Jefferson Boulevard: Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick
• Warwick: 1300 Warwick Avenue: Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick
• Warwick: 2975 West Shore Road: Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick

“It’s incredible when you stop and think, not only about the sheer number of gifts this program has provided to kids over the years, but also the amazing generosity of Rhode Islanders,” said Will Tsonos, BankRI’s new president and CEO. “Our community and staff drive this program, and I know those who are able to participate are eager to make a difference, especially at this time of year.”

As of Nov. 1, all BankRI branches display a Holiday Giving Tree in their lobby, decorated with ornaments featuring the name, age, and holiday wish of a child served by that branch’s nonprofit partner. During the nearly six-week program, customers and community members are invited to visit their local branch to select an ornament and provide a gift for that child. After purchasing the gift, donors return to their branch and place the unwrapped present beneath the tree with the original ornament attached.

Those who wish to participate but are unable to visit a BankRI location may call their closest branch to request ornament information or to schedule a curbside drop-off of their donated gift. Branch information can be found at BankRI.com/locations.