City Council President Mike Khader along with PCNY In the Streets donated more than 200 supply-stuffed backpacks to students at Cesar Chavez elementary school. This is the council president’s third annual school supply drive, created to honor the memory of his late nephew Jonathan Maldonado.
On Thursday, in accordance with social distancing guidelines, Council President Khader distributed a handful of bags to students at the school. The rest will be given out once students return to the classroom in October.
“Though things look a bit different this year, the impact is still the same,” said Council President Khader. “Being able to help students and families in need, especially when many have suffered because of this pandemic, fills me with great joy and gratitude. With this supply drive, we are alleviating some of the financial burden families face at the beginning of each school year. We owe this to the hardworking people of Yonkers. Big thanks to the Yonkers BOE and PCNY In the Streets for their support year after year.”
“During times such as we are facing today, Yonkers opens their hearts for our students,” noted Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez. “President Khader’s annual drive not only provides supplies and a new backpack, it offers an uplifting start to an unprecedented beginning for the school year.”
Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools, added, “Our students and families are doing their best to cope during these extraordinarily challenging times. Today’s event is one more way that President Khader demonstrates his commitment to education, our students and the families in Yonkers.”
“Nothing gives me more joy than helping struggling families here in Yonkers,” said Wayne Schneider of PCNY In the Streets. “I feel blessed to be in this position and look forward to working with the City to help as many people as we can together.”
