Employees of BankNewport and OceanPoint Insurance Agency (OPIA) recently created 60 youth literacy kits and 60 no sew fleece blankets in partnership with the United Way of Rhode Island. The service projects were part of the Bank and OPIA’s annual workplace giving campaign in support of the United Way.

The youth literacy kits included a Clifford book by Norman Bridwell and an assortment of “add on projects” for each child, including a Clifford sock puppet, a bookmark, crayons and coloring worksheets, and a backpack tag. The kit was designed to deepen children’s reading experience by bringing books to life. The “‘no sew” blankets were made by cutting and knotting the fringe of colorful fleece fabrics, to provide a child with sense of security and a cozy reminder that someone cares.

Three local agencies were the beneficiaries of the literacy kits and blankets: Comprehensive Community Action Program’s Head Start Program in Cranston, Westbay Community Action Program’s Children’s Center in Warwick, and the Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties. BankNewport and OPIA employees delivered 20 blankets and 20 literacy kits to each organization for their youth clients and families to enjoy.