On August 2, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the launch of the City’s annual “Backpack to School” school supply donation drive. The 10th annual donation drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public School students most in need.
“Back to school supplies can be a financial burden for families, especially for families who have more than one child in school, especially after this stressful year,” said Mayor Spano. “It is important that we remain committed to the success of our students. By working together, we will continue to seek resources and develop support for the students of Yonkers.”
“Opening of schools this year is a pivotal time for all of our students and families after a year and half in hybrid or remote learning,” noted Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools, “It can be especially difficult for our youngest learners who may never have been inside their school. Our school district’s restoration of full in-person instruction successfully began this summer. On Friday, September 3, all students, except prekindergarten, and staff return to 5 days of in-person instruction. This is a time of renewal and hope. The Mayor’s annual backpack drive augments this and offers our students enormous joy when they receive their backpack filled with school supplies; it’s heartwarming.”
Board of Education Vice President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio added, “Mayor Spano’s backpack drive brings the community together to support our students and families. This effort is especially important this year because there are so many families continuing to struggle financially and, at the same time, school supplies are also becoming scarce quickly. Our public schools are central to the overall vitality of our community and all children should have what they need to start schools. Yonkers residents embrace the Mayor’s Drive and historically open their hearts and pocketbooks for our students. Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez, the Trustees and I look forward to joining the Mayor to distribute the backpacks.”
Beginning today, backpacks and school supply donations may be made at the following Backpack to School drop-off locations until Friday, August 20th:
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 following school supplies: Crayons, Colored pencils, Washable markers, Glue sticks or Elmer’s glue, Rulers, Pink erasers, #2 pencils, Pencil Sharpeners, Loose-leaf paper, Composition Books, Pencil pouches, Pocket folders Hand sanitizer, Tissue Packets, Masks/Face coverings.
According to the National Retail Federation, the national average spent on back to school supplies is $29.5 Billion. Parents spend hundreds of dollars on back to school items, including school supplies, clothing, shoes, and electronics, totaling to more than $600 per child.
Backpacks and supplies will be distributed to a Pre-K – 8 school as selected by Yonkers Public School. For more information about the program, please contact the City of Yonkers Communications Office at 914-377-6300 or visit www.yonkersny.gov/backpack
