Local Nonprofits Benefit from Five Star Bank’s Work of Heart Week
Record participation in community service initiative demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to meaningful regional impact
Five Star Bank and its affiliate Courier Capital successfully completed their fourth annual Work of Heart Week, with associates volunteering throughout Western and Central New York from September 22 to September 26. The company-wide community service initiative continues to grow each year, reflecting the Bank's deepening commitment to the communities it serves.
This year's Work of Heart Week demonstrated the power of collective action to strengthen communities, with nearly 600 associates contributing over 1,500 volunteer hours to support 50 local organizations across Western and Central New York. The initiative shows how local businesses can play an active role in addressing community needs while fostering a culture of service among their workforce.
"Work of Heart Week has become a cornerstone of who we are as an organization," said Five Star Bank President and CEO Martin K. Birmingham. "Watching our associates bring their passion for service to life each September reinforces why community engagement is so central to our mission. The relationships we've built and the impact we've made in the local communities over these four years continue to inspire us."
The volunteer efforts align with Five Star Bank's core values of being humble, empowered, ambitious, resilient, and transparent, by providing associates with meaningful opportunities to live these principles outside the workplace. From supporting food security initiatives to educational programs, the diverse range of volunteer activities reflects the varied needs within Western and Central New York communities.
"Every year, our associates show up with enthusiasm and heart," Birmingham added. "Their dedication to making a difference reminds us that banking is ultimately about people helping people, whether that's through financial services or rolling up our sleeves to serve our communities directly."
The success of the 2025 Work of Heart Week builds upon three years of growing community engagement, with the bank continuing to expand both the scope of its volunteer efforts and the depth of its nonprofit partnerships.
Western New York
Buffalo and Western New York-based associates partnered with community organizations such as the Beaver Meadow Nature Preserve, where they removed invasive species, painted, and cleared the entrance to the Jenny Glen boardwalk, as well as the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, where they cleaned the inside of the U.S. Naval vessels. Other organizations that were among the more than 20 served in Western New York were the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, Connecting Communities in Action, Great Valley Food Pantry, Grace Guest House, Niagara Gospel Mission, The Teacher’s Desk, Warsaw Food Pantry, and YMCA Camp Weona
Greater Rochester
Greater Rochester-based associates partnered with community organizations such as the Catholic Charities of Rochester, Open Door Mission, and Mt. Hope Cemetery, where they raked, cleaned and helped beautify the outdoor grounds, among other yard maintenance. Additional organizations that were among the more than 20 served in Western New York were Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, Cameron Community Mission, Avon Food Bank, Humane Society of Yates County, and more.
Southern Tier
Community organizations across the Southern Tier benefitted from the support of local associates. In Elmira, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help rehab a home though Chemung County Habitat for Humanity. Five Star’s teammates also extended their service to the Hornell Animal Shelter and Bath SPCA.
Central New York
In Central New York, Five Star Bank associates volunteered at organizations such as Salvation Army Syracuse Area Services, sorting and organizing non-perishable food items at its Syracuse Food Pantry and serving meals at its Senior Center of Syracuse. Other regional non-profits served included the Geneva Center of Concern and the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York.
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