By Dan Murphy
As the first day of school approaches for students in the Yonkers Public Schools, 1,300 students will have a new backpack, filled with school supplies, thanks to the efforts of Mayor Mike Spano, Council President Mike Khader and the Salvation Army, who each held sucessful backpack drives.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined with School Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada, Board of Education Trustee President Rev. Steve Lopez, Yonkers City Councilmembers, Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy’s Principal Dr. Sandy Hattar and sponsors to present 600 backpacks (filled with school supplies), face shields and classroom supplies to students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy as part of the Mayor’s annual “Backpack to School” Drive on Aug. 26.
Mayor Spano’s annual donation drive now has distributed nearly 11,000 backpacks and school supplies to public school students, non-profit organizations, churches and clients of the Westchester County Department of Social Services in the City of Yonkers over the past 10 years. Donations were provided by Yonkers residents, city employees, and local corporate and nonprofit sponsors including: Heavenly Productions Foundation, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Master Chef Nikko, First Group, Castle Royale, Precision Concierge, Rock & Rod’s Collector Car Club, Ridge Hill and Elite Investigations.
“The continued success of our “Backpack to School” Drive speaks volumes to the strength of our community and sponsors,” Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said. “This year we were able to collect over 1,200 backpacks and over 4,000 supplies. I am proud of the positive impact our city can provide for our students.”
“Our public school families and the community are excited for children to resume full in-person instruction,” stated Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez, “The Trustees and Dr. Quezada made a commitment last year to begin this September with everyone in school. All of our staff did an outstanding job getting everything ready, our school buildings, instructional materials and hiring additional staff, to reach this important milestone. Mayor Spano’s annual Backpack Drive is the best way for our children and families to begin this extremely important school year.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada added, “A caring supportive community is exceedingly important this school year as 26,000 children resume full in-person instruction for the first time in a year and a half. The Mayor’s annual Backpack to School Drive demonstrates to our learning community that their city, the City of Yonkers, is a caring and giving community. These generous donations alleviate a significant financial burden that affects so many of our families. Mayor Spano is a valued member of this year’s District’s campaign – Restoration, Renewal and Hope for Yonkers Public Schools and our City.”
Chairwoman of Heavenly Productions Foundation, Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon (joined by Executive Board Member NBA Player John Wallace of the NY Knicks) added, “On behalf of Heavenly Productions Foundation, we are thrilled to support Mayor Mike Spano’s Backpack Outreach and donate 600 backpacks with school supplies, reading books, 600 face shields and classroom supplies. This year we dedicate our donation to Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in memory of Audrey M. Fallon, who attended Yonkers Public Schools and taught Chess and Monopoly to Yonkers Public School students.”
Business Owner & Entrepreneur Master Chef Nikko added, “As a business owner and stakeholder, it’s important to exhibit corporate social responsibility. By ensuring the students receive the most essential school supplies necessary helps to ease the burden of many parents as well as Yonkers as a whole.”
On Aug. 30, City Council President Mike Khader, along with PCNY In the Streets, Ecolab, Staples, and R&E Security donated more than 200 supply-stuffed backpacks to students at School 21. This is the council president’s fourth annual school supply drive, created to honor the memory of his late nephew Jonathan Maldonado.
“Returning to school this year, after all our children have been through, means a great deal to our community,” said City Council President Mike Khader. “For me, being able to help students and families in need, especially when so many have suffered major financial setbacks due to the pandemic, fills me with great joy and gratitude. With this supply drive, we are alleviating some of the financial burden many families face at the beginning of each school year. I want to extend a huge thanks to Yonkers BOE, PCNY In the Streets and Ecolab for their support year after year.”
BOE President Lopez said,“President Khader’s Backpack Drive contributes to the excitement in the school community for our children and staff as we resume full in-person instruction this week. “
Superintendent Quezada added, “President Khader’s support for Yonkers children and families and the generous donations received through his campaign alleviate a significant financial burden that affects so many of our families. A caring supportive community is exceedingly important this school year as 26,000 children resume full in-person instruction for the first time in a year and a half.”
The Salvation Army Yonkers Corps held their backpack drive and on Aug. 27, donated 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to children, aged elementary to high school, around Yonkers. It’s important to The Salvation Army that children have the tools they need to succeed, and that starts with the right school supplies. This giveaway was in partnership with YMCA in Yonkers.
Lieutenant Neek Elie Fils-Aime joined with students who happily accepted their backpacks. An integral part of the community for 132 years, The Salvation Army Greater New York Division operates more than 100 community and social-service programs, serving more than one million people a year, regardless of race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. Since COVID-19, it has served more than 7 million meals. For more information visit salvationarmyny.org.
