With the calendar turning to January, United Way of Rhode Island is reminding nonprofits that there are now less than 90 days until the return of 401Gives on Tuesday, April 1.

As the Ocean State’s single largest philanthropic effort on behalf of local nonprofits, organizations across the state are encouraged to participate and raise funds to support their work. All Rhode Island-based nonprofits are invited to register now at 401Gives.org.

Already, 133 nonprofits have registered, according to United Way of Rhode Island. In 2024, its fifth year, 401Gives raised a record $3.86 million to benefit 597 organizations in the state, prompting nearly 25,000 gifts from Rhode Islanders. The day is powered by the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island.

“Since the very first 401Gives, we’ve seen some incredible outcomes as the result of Rhode Islanders coming together to support the causes they care about most,” said Nancy Wolanski, director of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of R.I. in a statement. “Each year we have seen 401Gives reach new heights.  It’s an opportunity to highlight the tremendous work being done every day by small and large nonprofits across the state.  We’d love to see more organizations participate than ever so that all of us can learn about new nonprofits doing great work and addressing issues that matter deeply to our communities.”

A unified day of giving that makes it easy both for nonprofits to participate and for individuals to make donations to them, 401Gives utilizes an online fundraising platform and harnesses the power of social media and peer-to-peer outreach. 

Once registered, nonprofits can begin customizing their individual 401Gives page to share their stories, the impact of their work in the community, and highlight what they’re raising money for. Each organization’s 401Gives page features the ability to house images, embedded video, and more. And as part of the 401Gives experience, the Alliance offers an online library of webinar and training videos, and a Nonprofit Toolkit that includes sample emails, social media tips, and downloadable graphics.

To learn more about 401Gives or if there are questions, contact Caitlynn Douglas at (401) 444-0720, or email 401Gives@unitedwayri.org.

A Rhode Island man is facing charges after allegedly body slamming an Attleboro mother of two during a suspected road rage incident Friday, according to court records.

Police responded near Newport Avenue at Highland Avenue in Attleboro just before 9 a.m. on Friday, where they found Hailea Soare on the ground, bleeding and crying, according to a police report filed in Attleboro District Court.

Gladior Kwesiah, of Pawtucket, was arrested without incident and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, vandalism of property, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to court dockets. 

Multiple witnesses told police that Kwesiah and Soares were arguing outside their cars after her vehicle allegedly rear-ended his vehicle at the intersection, according to the report.

All three witnesses allege that Kwesiah, 26, “body slammed” her onto the pavement, while two told police that he also stepped on her glasses that fell to the ground. One witness said that Soares “smacked” Kwesiah before he picked her up, lifted her over his head, and dropped her on her head, according to police. 

The body slam can be seen in videos shared by local news stations. The police report notes that Soares is 5 feet tall and 120 pounds, while Kwesiah is 6 foot 3 inches and more than 300 pounds.

Soares was transported to Study Memorial Hospital, where she was treated for a fractured knee, fractured foot, and head laceration, according to police. 

She also suffered damage to her eye socket and “a serious skull injury,” a GoFundMe started by her family said. The fundraiser has collected more than $18,000 from nearly 500 donors out of its $30,000 goal, as of Sunday evening. 

“As a single mother of two young children, Hailea now faces an uphill battle – physically, emotionally, and financially,” the GoFundMe said. “These injuries will keep her out of work for months. The financial strain of medical bills, therapy costs, and providing for her children is overwhelming.”

Kwesiah was held in the Bristol County House of Correction after not posting bail on Friday.

Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.

A man who stole an unoccupied cruiser in Rhode Island was stopped on Route 2 in Preston after a chase early Saturday morning, according to Connecticut State Police.

Connecticut State Police was notified about a stolen Providence, Rhode Island, police cruiser on Interstate 95 South crossing into Connecticut from Rhode Island around 2:30 a.m.

The stolen cruiser was reportedly seen on I-95 south near exit 89, but then took the exit 88 off ramp to Route 117 in Groton as it saw another Connecticut State Police cruiser approaching.

Multiple Connecticut State Police cruisers turned on their emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the stolen cruiser. According to Connecticut State Police, the stolen cruiser was traveling over 100 mph at times on Route 117.

Ledyard Police Department was then notified and deployed stop sticks near Route 117 and Route 2a. The stolen cruiser slowed to a stop near Route 2a and the driver was taken into custody.

The 27-year-old man from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is facing charges including reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, failure to drive in the proper lane, larceny and interfering with officer/resisting. He was not able to post the $50,000 bond and is due in court on Monday.