PITTSBURGH -- Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania and WPXI-TV today announced Beginning with Books will receive a $25,000 grant, volunteer support and other benefits for its selection as a Champion in Action, a new initiative designed to recognize and support nonprofit organizations for the contributions the agencies make to communities in western Pennsylvania. Beginning with Books was selected for its commitment to literacy.

"We are delighted to contribute our financial resources and extensive promotional and volunteer efforts to such an important and vital community organization," said Ralph J. Papa, President of Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania's Western Region. "One of the goals of the Champion in Action program is to create awareness and to build community support for smaller organizations that are making a profound difference in our neighborhoods. Beginning with Books is an exceptional volunteer-based organization that is dedicated to making a difference in our community by inspiring our youth to become lifelong learners and readers."

•Click here to see photos of the presentation.

Beginning with Books advocates the importance of early literacy in the lives of children, with a focus on youth considered to be at greatest risk. The organization help thousands of children every year become successful learners and lifelong readers with innovative and effective early literacy programs. Programming and service highlights include:

•Read Together, a mentoring program that matches more than 250 local children ages 3-8 with trained literacy volunteers at local libraries and after-school programs.

•Two Storymobiles that deliver about 8,000 books annually to more than 3,000 local children at public housing communities, day care centers and schools.

•A Gift Book program that provides children of low-income families free books. In 2004 alone, more than 2,600 families received assistance.

•Annual Best Books for Babies list, a nationally recognized guide for reference by parents, teachers and guardians when selecting books for babies.

"Improving the learning capacity of children in their critical early learning years is our goal," said Keith Kondrich, executive director, Beginning with Books. "By working in partnership with parents, caregivers and volunteers, we can directly affect a child's' development and success in life. With the increased visibility and additional resources afforded to us from the Champion in Action program, we will be able to expand the services we offer and make a difference in the lives of even more children, especially those who need our help the most."

Today, Papa joined Kondrich and WPXI-TV news co-anchor Darieth Chisolm in surprising Beginning with Books staff and volunteers with news of the organization's selection as a Champion in Action. The announcement was made at the organization's facilities on Kirkwood Street in East Liberty. Beginning with Books is the third organization to receive the Champion in Action designation.

"WPXI-TV is proud to partner with Citizens Bank to honor such a worthy organization," said WPXI-TV's General Manager Ray Carter. "There are a tremendous amount of terrific grass roots community organizations in our area. We are pleased to focus our community efforts on Beginning with Books and look forward to helping them continue to do great work. We also congratulate them on becoming the newest Champion in Action."

Through Champion in Action, Beginning with Books will receive:
• A $25,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from the Citizens Bank Foundation.
• Media coverage from WPXI-TV, including public service announcements and TV profile.
• Volunteer support from Citizens and WPXI-TV employees.
• Extensive public relations support.
• Promotional support, highlighting the Community Stars in all Citizens Bank branches.
• Exposure on both Citizens Bank and WPXI-TV websites.

A group of community leaders and representatives of WPXI-TV and Citizens Bank form the Champion in Action selection committee that selects a nonprofit organization each quarter for its work on a particular social issue. Literacy was the category under which Beginning with Books was selected. Aliquippa Alliance for Unity and Development was selected as the second Champion in Action for its work its work force development efforts, while Wilkinsburg Community Ministry was selected for its work with senior citizens last year as the first ever Champion in Action.

Youth Support is the focus for the third quarter of 2005. The application deadline has passed and the winning organization will be announced in July.

The final topic for the 2005 Champion in Action program is Homelessness. The application deadline is July 8, 2005. The winner will be announced in October.

For more information about the Champion in Action program or to request an application, contact the Citizens Bank Public Affairs Department at (412) 867-2683. Applications also can be obtained online at citizensbank.com and WPXI.com or at any Pittsburgh-area Citizens Bank branch.

About Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania
Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania is a $30 billion state-chartered bank with dual headquarters in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. It has more than 400 branches, more than 660 ATMs. It also operates 10 retail branches and 10 ATMs in southern New Jersey. It is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $137 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,600 branches, approximately 2,800 ATMs and approximately 26,000 employees in a 13-state retail branch network and non-branch offices in more than 30 states. Citizens is the eighth largest commercial banking company in the United States ranked by deposits. Citizens is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc). Its Web site is citizensbank.com.

SLIDESHOW: Photos From Announcement