Mayor Mike Spano, Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, YPS Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr., City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo, Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio, BOE Trustee Gail Burns, Chairwoman of Heavenly Productions Foundation, Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon photo by Maurice Mercado
Presents 400 Backpacks and School Supplies to Yonkers Public School Students
On Aug. 27, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined Yonkers Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio, Superintendent of SchoolsAníbal Soler, Jr., Yonkers City Councilmembers, Montessori School 27 Principal Lourdes Cruz and event sponsors to present 400 backpacks, filled with school supplies, to the students at Montessori School 27 as part of the Mayor’s annual “Backpack to School Drive.”
“I am always deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community and sponsors,” said, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Collaboratively, we have collected an abundance of backpacks and school supplies for Yonkers students, empowering them on their journey toward academic achievement this year. To all those who donated, your generosity and dedication to our city’s future are greatly appreciated.”
Donations were provided by Yonkers residents, city employees, and local corporate and nonprofit sponsors including: Heavenly Productions Foundation, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Castle Royale, Adonis Crosby, Rock & Rod’s Collector Car Club, Ridge Hill, PCNY, Garden of Eden and Elite Investigations.
“On behalf of the Yonkers Board of Education, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Mike Spano for his commitment to our students,” said Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio. “Mayor Spano, the countless residents and community partners in our great city and beyond have demonstrated a strong dedication to ensure that every child starts the school year equipped with the tools they need for success. We are truly fortunate to have a Mayor who brings the community together to invest in our children’s future.”
“Mayor Spano’s annual backpack drive is a testament to the passion our city has for our students and their success,” said Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. “Year after year, Yonkers ensures students at our schools receive the support they need for a seamless start to the academic year. This ongoing support sets our students up for success and highlights the powerful partnership between the city and schools. We’re grateful for everyone’s continued support in building a brighter future for Yonkers children.”
Chairwoman of Heavenly Productions Foundation, Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon added, “On behalf of Heavenly Productions Foundation, we are thrilled to support Mayor Mike Spano’s Backpack Drive and donate 210 backpacks and 350 sets of school supplies. Best wishes to all the students of Yonkers.”
This year’s youngest sponsor, Adonis Crosby added, “I enjoy giving back to my community. It feels great to help people around our city and put smiles on the faces of Yonkers’ children. I hope every student has a wonderful school year.”
Rock N’ Rod’s Collector Car Club Member, James Guccione added, “Our club is always happy to support the Mayor’s Backpack Drive. This is another way for us to show our commitment to the City of Yonkers and the children.”
Since 2012, Mayor Spano’s annual donation drive has distributed over 18,000 backpacks and school supplies to public school students. Due to the continuous outpour of support, each year non-profit organizations, churches and clients of the Westchester County Department of Social Services in the City of Yonkers are also able to receive backpacks and school supplies.
According to the National Retail Federation the average amount spent on back to school supplies is $38.8 billion. Parents spend hundreds of dollars on back to school items, including school supplies, clothing, shoes, and electronics, totaling $874.68 per child.
