Customers Bank recently awarded more than 170 students with new bikes and helmets for their commitment to completing summer literacy programs.

The Books for Bikes program was the innovation of Dick Ehst, who retired as Customers Bank’s president and chief executive officer earlier this year.

Books for Bikes is an important community initiative that motivates children to continue developing their literacy skills during the summer by rewarding them with new bikes and helmets for their participation in programs conducted by organizations throughout the community including United Way, YMCA of Reading, and Berks County and Alvernia University’s program.

When Customers Bank started the program in 2016, it was run in conjunction with United Way of Berks County’s Ready.Set.READ! initiative.

Since that time, additional community organizations have gotten involved and Customers Bank supports those organizations’ programs by awarding the students who participate with new bikes and helmets.

Customers Bank supports these programs throughout the community as it recognizes the importance of helping students develop their educational and literacy skills so they have the opportunity to become our future business leaders.

On Wednesday, August 18th at noon, the United Way will award its students with new bikes and helmets provided by Customers Bank.

On August 27th at noon, the YMCA will conduct the conclusion of its summer literacy program and Customers Bank will reward students with new bikes and helmets.

Additional information can be found on the company’s website.