Supporting Children’s Literacy in Western New York

Five Star Bank has awarded $20,000 to The Teacher’s Desk to expand access to free children’s books through the Five Star Reader program, helping local youth foster a love of reading while connecting families with valuable educational resources close to home.

The funding will support the distribution of books to children through Five Star Bank branches across Western and Central New York, including Five Star’s Elmwood Crossing and Seneca Street locations in the City of Buffalo. In total, the program is offered at nine branches and is expected to expand to 12 by year-end.

Since its inception in 2022, the Five Star Reader program has distributed more than 31,000 books to children across Western and Central New York. With a value exceeding $400,000, the program has helped expand access to reading materials and foster a love of reading among young readers.

“Literacy is one of the strongest foundations for lifelong success,” said Karla J.L. Gadley, Community Development Director at Five Star Bank. “Through The Teacher’s Desk and the Five Star Reader program, we can help put books directly into the hands of children and encourage reading beyond the classroom. We are proud to support an initiative that strengthens educational opportunities for students throughout our communities.”

The Teacher’s Desk, a Buffalo-based nonprofit organization, provides school supplies, books, and educational resources to teachers working in economically disadvantaged schools across Western New York. Through its programming, the organization helps equip educators and supports approximately 150,000 students each year with the tools they need to learn and thrive.

“When children have access to books, they have the opportunity to discover new ideas, strengthen their reading skills, and imagine what’s possible for their future,” said John Mika, founder of the Teacher’s Desk. “We’re grateful to Five Star Bank for investing in the Five Star Reader program and helping us get more books into the hands of young people across our community.”

This investment is part of Five Star Bank’s community development strategy focused on education, economic opportunity and essential services in Buffalo and across the bank’s Western and Central New York footprint. 

Five Star Bank Reader Program