Syracuse men’s basketball isn’t having the season it envisioned, but it's not stopping members from making a difference in the lives of the youth that look up to them.

The team recently took part in the Book Buddies program at McKinley-Brighton elementary school in Syracuse, teaching students that every word tells a story. Each flip of a page leads to a chapter. All of the chapters take you on a journey. And that reading is a vital piece of growth. 

“Literacy is one of the key ingredients to a successful school career and career as an adult, whatever you choose to do following your school career," said Nancy Eaton, the president of United Way of CNY. 

At McKinley-Brighton elementary in Syracuse, the Orange are taking part in United Way’s Book Buddies program. The players are paired with students, making another day of reading unforgettable. 

“Make their day, make their year, you know," said Syracuse guard Anthony Clayton. "I know they look up to the Syracuse University basketball team, so being able to come back and show them the importance of reading and practice is really important to us. I think giving back to the community is important.” 

It’s vital. With each passing day, literacy rates continue to fall nationwide. 

“New York state, less than half of our third graders across the state are reading at grade level," said Eaton. "It’s not a Syracuse or Onondaga County issue, it’s a national issue.” 

The Book Buddies program hopes to increase literacy rates in children by reading with volunteers once a week. But these aren’t your typical volunteers. 

“These are students in a very prominent university in this country," Eaton said. "Yet, they figured out how to get here, and one of them just told me he’s going to sign up because he said it’ll work in his schedule.”

A basketball team, in the midst of its raucous schedules, taking time out to read with kids. It's a small gesture that could go a long way. It's a moment the kids won't forget. 

“It makes a huge difference you know," Clayton said. "This is gonna change their day, they’re gonna tell their parents their family back home.”

“They were so full of energy, that’s what it’s about," said Guard JJ Starling. "Being able to interact with these kids sharing a special moment.”