Last week, Mayor Mike Spano today announced the launch of the City’s annual “Backpack to School” school supply donation drive. The 9th Annual Donation Drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public School students most in need. However, due to COVID-19, this upcoming school year may include distance learning, and an estimated 27,000 students will also need Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets in order to continue learning online and join their classmates.
“Back to school supplies can be a financial burden for families, especially for families who have more than one child in school,” said Mayor Spano. “Distance learning will also be the main focus for many of our parents and students. Without remote access, many students are unable to connect with virtual learning, assignments, and other essential resources to stay on track with their education. By working together as a whole, we will continue to support the students of Yonkers.”
“These are extraordinarily challenging times for so many of our students and families, both financially and emotionally,” noted Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools. “This year more than ever, our children need not only backpacks and school supplies, they also need laptops and tablets for learning from home. For our students, we must remain committed to the success of the District’s September Reopening that relies on strong partnerships with individuals, business, and community members.”
Board of Education President Steve Lopez stated, “The Mayor’s annual backpack drive has provided thousands of our students with valuable resources to support their progress. The enormous generosity offered by our community brings hope and a promise for a great school year.”
Backpacks and school supply donations may be made at the following Backpack to School drop-off locations until Friday, August 21:
Yonkers Riverfront Library – 1 Larkin Center
Grinton I. Will Library – 1500 Central Park Avenue
Crestwood Library – 16 Thompson Street
All four Police Precincts
PCT 1 – 730 E. Grassy Sprain Road
PCT 2 – 441 Central Park Avenue
PCT 3 – 435 Riverdale Avenue
PCT 4 – 53 Shonnard Place
Suggested supply packages for donation include new backpacks filled with the usual school supplies, and hand sanitizer, masks/face coverings
To ensure that no student is left without a fighting chance to obtain a proper education, businesses and individuals throughout our community were asked to help provide Chromebooks [HP Chromebook 11A G8; Education Edition – 11.6”; A4 9120C – 4 GB Ram – 32; #16W64UT#ABA] to those in need during these unprecedented times.
For more information about the program, please contact the City of Yonkers Communications Office at 914-377-6300 or visit www.yonkersny.gov/backpack
