Mercer County, OH – June 24, 2024 – First Financial Bank (Nasdaq: FFBC) and associates teamed up with community residents to collect over 4,000 books in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois during its recent book drive, including 759 in Mercer County, contributing to financial literacy in the neighborhoods it serves. Books were collected in First Financial’s locations in Northwest Ohio and at financial centers in its four-state footprint. First Financial will donate the books to Our Home Family Resource Center and the Fort Recovery Public Library, plus schools, libraries and other community-focused organizations in each of its other communities. 

Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer for First Financial Bank

“We appreciate the incredible turnout from community members who pitched in to help with this book drive, because our combined effort will have a positive impact on financial literacy for years to come in the people who receive these volumes.”

The book drive ran from May 6-24. 

While collecting books for the community over the two-week period, First Financial associates were also distributing a list of books and articles to support growth in financial literacy for all age groups. Titles included, “A Bike Like Sergio’s” for elementary students, “O.M.G.: Official Money Guide for Teenagers” for high school students and “The Art of Money: A Life-Changing Guide to Financial Happiness” for adults. Selections on this list cover the entire spectrum of life. The list will continue to be available in local First Financial locations upon request. A list of financial center locations is available online at bankatfirst.com. 

About First Financial Bancorp.

First Financial Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had $17.6 billion in assets, $11.2 billion in loans, $13.5 billion in deposits and $2.3 billion in shareholders’ equity. The Company’s subsidiary, First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management. These business units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients. Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $3.6 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2024. The Company operated 130 full service banking centers as of March 31, 2024, located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis. Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations, is available at www.bankatfirst.com.