Quality-checking the backpacks at The Sharing Shelf. Photo from The Sharing Shelf.
The Sharing Shelf, the nonprofit Clothing Bank serving Westchester County, announced today the record-setting results of its 15th annual “Backpacks to School” initiative. Through that initiative, hundreds of volunteers joined together to assemble, fill, and distribute – free of charge – backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies for Westchester students in need. The number of backpacks filled and distributed was 1,976 – 30 more than last year’s record.
The distribution of filled backpacks to students from pre-K through 12th grade began on August 19. The backpacks were distributed by The Sharing Shelf based on requests from 28 nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public schools – benefiting students in 35 school districts in Westchester. The communities that received the most backpacks are the following: One-third of the filled backpacks (33.21%) were distributed to students in Yonkers; 15.09% went to students in Port Chester; 14.87% went to students in Mt. Vernon; 11.14% went to students in New Rochelle.
The record demand for backpacks is not surprising, as applications for clothing received by The Sharing Shelf have nearly quadrupled over the last six years: from 1,863 in 2018 to 6,764 in 2024. While Westchester is among the nation’s wealthiest counties, its poverty rate for children under five was 11.1% in 2023, according to Westchester Children’s Association. More than 67,000 children and teens live in poverty or a low-income home in Westchester.
“Backpacks and school supplies are essential to any student’s preparation for school – and to educational success,” said Deborah Blatt, Founder and Executive Director of The Sharing Shelf. “We are enormously grateful to the many businesses, community organizations, and individuals who have provided in-kind or financial support to make this record-setting outcome possible.”
About The Sharing Shelf
The Sharing Shelf is a nonprofit clothing bank serving Westchester County, NY. Founded in 2009, it operates a warehouse in Port Chester, where new and gently used clothes are collected, volunteers screen the clothes for quality, and the clothes are distributed for free to low-income children and teens through social-service agencies, schools, and other nonprofits. The Sharing Shelf also opened in 2024 (adjacent to the warehouse) a Teen Boutique, where teens in financial need, referred by schools and nonprofit organizations, can select their own clothing at no cost in a private and dignified setting that has the look and feel of a real boutique. In every case, the ultimate recipient is a child or teen in need – from newborn to age 19. The clothing is both age- and season-appropriate, fits properly, and boosts the individual’s esteem and confidence.
