ELMIRA, NY (607NewsNow) — Five Star Bank has awarded $20,000 to The Teacher’s Desk, helping to expand access to free children’s books through the bank’s Five Star Reader program.

The funding will be used to support the distribution of books to local youth through the program, which is offered at nine Five Star Bank branches. The Elmira and Bath West End branches are among those in Western and Central New York that will receive funding to increase access to books for children in the area.

“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 is a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo that provides books, school supplies, and other educational resources and materials to teachers who work in economically disadvantaged school systems throughout Western New York.

“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.”

Learn more about the Five Star Reader program on their website here.