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Photo courtesy of Citizens. In a partnership between Citizens bank and Habitat for Humanity of Worcester, military families received the gift of playhouses.
10-18-2026 9:51pm
Westwood In A Minute: Building Custom Playhouses for Local Military and Veteran Families
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Thanks to Citizens for contributing its news to Westwood Minute.
At the end of last month, more than 75 Citizens colleagues volunteered throughout the day to build and decorate three custom playhouses for local military and veteran families through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester. During a special ceremony this afternoon, the families received the completed playhouses and children had the opportunity to explore them for the first time.
“What started as one playhouse build three years ago has grown into a tradition that brings colleagues together to recognize and support military families,” said Bruce Van Saun, Chairman and CEO of Citizens. “We're proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity and create something that will bring joy and lasting memories to these families for years to come.”
The event marked the first time Operation Playhouse was held at Citizens' Westwood campus and represented a significant expansion of the program, which began in Johnston in 2024 with a single playhouse build. This year, Citizens volunteers built six playhouses across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, doubling the program's impact.
Photo courtesy of Citizens. The effort extended well beyond the day's volunteers. Colleagues across Citizens, including branch teams, corporate offices, operations centers and remote employees, contributed more than 1,000 handwritten cards for participating military families.
The afternoon ceremony featured remarks from Bruce Van Saun, Chairman and CEO of Citizens, and brought together volunteers, military families, and community partners to celebrate the program and recognize the sacrifices made by military families.
