In recognition of March as National Reading Month and its commitment to childhood literacy, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) is kicking off its annual children’s book drive in Cranston and Warwick, and all 20 of its branches statewide. The month-long effort benefits Books Are Wings and offers both drop-off and virtual donation options.

“It’s impossible to overstate how generous our community is when it comes to our book drive, and what that support means to the work of Books Are Wings,” said Patricia O’Donnell-Saracino, VP of Community Relations for BankRI. “Every single book is important – we’d love to see this be our biggest collection yet.”

This marks the 12th year BankRI has partnered with the Pawtucket-based Books Are Wings; a nonprofit whose unique programs put 62,353 free books in the hands of Rhode Island kids last year alone. Books collected during the BankRI drive will support programs for Pre-K to Grade 5 children. Specifically, they will benefit the new Tale Mail initiative for preschoolers and the Read to 100 Challenge for school-age kids.

For the drive, all BankRI branches have a marked collection bin in its foyer or in front of its entrance doors to accept donations of new and gently used children’s books. There is also the option to participate virtually by purchasing a book from an online Wish List of titles curated by Books Are Wings. The Wish List can be accessed at BooksAreWings.org/donate-books. BankRI’s local branches can be found at:

Cranston: 383 Atwood Avenue, 1047 Park Avenue, and 2104 Plainfield Pike

Warwick: 265 Jefferson Blvd., 1300 Warwick Avenue, and 2975 West Shore Road.