Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the launch of the City’s annual “Backpack to School” school donation drive. The 11th annual donation drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public School students most in need.
“As families head out to buy school supplies for the upcoming school year, it can create a financial burden for many, especially as our community recovers from the stresses of the pandemic,” said Mayor Spano. “It is crucial that we encourage our childrens’ education. We must support the students of Yonkers, providing them with the resources and assistance they need to succeed in all of their academic endeavors.”
“Our schools diligently work to cultivate joy, elevate excellence and liberate hope every day for our students,” noted Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada. “To begin the school year with a new backpack and supplies bolsters a young child’s confidence and optimism. The Mayor’s annual drive eases the financial burden for our families, and more importantly, energizes the entire community to support quality education and Yonkers’ children.”
Board of Education President Rev. Steve Lopez added, “Over the past 11 years, the Mayor’s annual backpack drive provided thousands of our young students with valuable resources for a great start to the school year. Each year, the generosity offered by our community exponentially grows, which signifies the value Yonkers residents and businesses place on education.”
Beginning today, backpacks and school supply donations may be made at the following “Backpack to School” drop-off locations until Friday, August 19th:
Yonkers Riverfront Library – 1 Larkin Center
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
Data from the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade group, shows consumers are cutting down spending on other areas to cover back-to-school expenses, with total spending expected to match last year’s record of $37 billion. Parents spend hundreds of dollars on back to school items, including school supplies, clothing, shoes, and electronics, totaling to more than $661 per child — a 27% rise from pre-pandemic levels.
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 Mayor’s Office at 914-377-6300 or visit www.yonkersny.gov/backpack
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