2026 Work of Heart Week

Five Star Bank Serves Over 60 Regional Nonprofits Through 2026 Work of Heart Week  

Nearly 1,800 volunteer hours contributed during the week-long service event 

WARSAW, N.Y. – October 26, 2026 – During its 2026 Work of Heart Week, Five Star Bank partnered with over 60 nonprofits throughout Western and Central New York to provide hands-on volunteer support for community service projects. This year’s event, which took place September 21 to 25, resulted in nearly 1,800 total volunteer hours.  

The company-wide community service initiative, now in its fifth year, has steadily grown, both in terms of employee engagement and community impact. This year, approximately 640 employees from Five Star Bank and its wealth management affiliate, Courier Capital, LLC, took part in activities that included painting, landscaping and gardening, delivering financial literacy training, and more.  

"As a community bank, our purpose is rooted in helping people and that is what Work of Heart Week is all about," said Five Star Bank President and CEO Martin K. Birmingham. "This is truly one of my favorite times of the year. Our associates bring such energy and genuine commitment to each service project and it’s so rewarding to see the meaningful impact it makes in the communities we serve.” 

In Western New York, organizations served included the Buffalo Naval Park, Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo, Grace Guest House, Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve, Warsaw Food Pantry,  FeedMore WNY, Mental Health Association of Niagara County and others.  

In Greater Rochester, associates volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester, Center for Youth, 13Thirty Cancer Connect, Veterans Outreach Center, The People's Pantry of Rochester and more.  

Across Central New York and into the Southern Tier, Five Star Bank supported the Calvary Food Pantry, Sweet Farm, Chemung Habitat for Humanity, and Hornell Area Concern for Youth, among others.