Washington Trust collects more than 4.8 tons of peanut butter during annual drive

WASHINGTON TRUST collected more than 4.8 tons of peanut butter for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and local food pantries through its annual drive. / COURTESY THE WASHINGTON TRUST COMPANY
WASHINGTON TRUST collected more than 4.8 tons of peanut butter for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and local food pantries through its annual drive. / COURTESY THE WASHINGTON TRUST COMPANY

WESTERLY – The 15th annual Washington Trust Peanut Butter Drive collected more than 4.8 tons of peanut butter to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and local food pantries across the state.
The Washington Trust Company has collected more than 115 tons of peanut butter since 2001. This year’s drive kicked off Feb.16 at the Providence Bruins home game against the Manchester Monarchs.
“Our annual peanut butter drive has helped feed tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders by providing something as simple and essential as peanut butter,” Joseph MarcAurele, Washington Trust chairman and CEO, said in a statement.
“Our commitment to helping our neighbors is one of Washington Trust’s most important, time-honored traditions. At the heart of that commitment is our employees’ dedication to volunteering and giving back to the communities they serve,” said MarcAurele, who also serves as president of the board of directors for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
One jar of peanut butter can make 16 sandwiches, according to the company.
Washington Trust employees collected 3,000 pounds of peanut butter through dress down days, a Skating with the Stars event at the Washington Trust Community Skating Center, and other bank events.
The company also worked with area businesses, schools and organizations. CVS Customer Care collected more than 1,800 pounds of peanut butter. Schools that collected the most peanut butter included Burrillville Middle School, Rhode Island Philharmonic School and St. Philomena School.
Carousel Industries, the Providence Bruins, Servicemaster by Mason and Yawgoo Valley Ski Area also contributed to the peanut butter drive.

Local food pantries that received peanut butter donations included Comprehensive Community Action Program, Helping Hands of Block Island, Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale, Jonnycake Center of Westerly, North Kingstown Food Pantry, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, Rhode Island Center Assisting those in Need (RI CAN), St. Patrick’s Food Closet and West Bay Community Action.

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