On Aug. 1,Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the launch of the City’s annual “Backpack to School” donation drive. The 12th annual donation drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public Schools students most in need.
“We want to support our children’s education and help them achieve their academic goals. That’s why we need to provide them with the resources and assistance they require,” said Mayor Spano. “Buying school supplies can be a financial challenge for many families, especially with recent increases in costs.”
“The cost burden of sending students back to school can cause significant financial stress on families, particularly those with multiple school age children. Our students often see the strain on the family budget, and that can diminish the excitement of returning to school,” noted Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Luis Rodriguez. “By alleviating some of that pressure, the Mayor’s ‘Backpack to School’ Drive allows our families and students to share the excitement of returning to school, focused on the upcoming school year. We’re very grateful to Mayor Spano for modeling not only generosity, but good citizenship!”
Beginning today, backpacks and school supply donations may be made at the following “Backpack to School” drop-off locations until Sunday, August 20th:
Yonkers City Hall – 40 South Broadway (Lobby) [Until Friday, August 18th]
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 Yonkers 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 listed in the graphic above.
The latest survey on school supplies for 2022 from the National Retail Federation (NRF) determined that families with kids in grades K-12 expect to spend $864 on average for school items, which is an increase of $16 from the previous year.
Backpacks and supplies will be distributed to a Pre-K – 8 school as selected by Yonkers Public Schools. For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at 914-377-6300 or visit www.yonkersny.gov/backpack .
