BankNewport employees rolled up their sleeves on October 28 in Middletown, Rhode Island, to build beds for children who lack a proper place to rest. The volunteer effort was organized in partnership with the nonprofit A Bed for Every Child and will benefit families connected with Crossroads Rhode Island.
Hands‑on teamwork
About forty staff members, including commercial loan closer Carl Whitham, spent the morning assembling bed frames, sanding surfaces, and securing all components. “We’re sanding everything down, measuring, screwing, and making sure everything is nice and tight,” Whitham said. The team also painted a small headboard for each bed before finishing the project.
Why it matters
Whitham emphasized that the work goes beyond furniture building. “I believe every child deserves a bed of their own and a great night’s sleep,” he said. “If we can give people a good night’s sleep, especially the children in our future, that’s what it’s all about.” Community relations manager Meredith Cropper added that the project reflects the bank’s commitment to meeting local families’ needs, especially as winter approaches.
Continuing a partnership
This event marks the second collaboration between BankNewport and A Bed for Every Child. In a previous effort, volunteers built ten beds in under two hours, and the team hoped to match that pace this time. The completed beds will be donated to families identified by Crossroads Rhode Island, helping ensure that children have a safe, comfortable place to sleep.
Looking ahead
BankNewport plans to continue supporting community initiatives that address basic needs for local families. By turning a few hours of volunteer labor into tangible help for children, the bank demonstrates how businesses can play a vital role in strengthening neighborhoods.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
