FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAYOR MIKE SPANO LAUNCHES 9th ANNUAL YONKERS “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL” SUPPLY DONATION DRIVE.
Drive Also Seeks Chromebook Donations for Distance Learning Options.
YONKERS, NY – August 7, 2020 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the launch of the City’s annual “Backpack to School” school supply donation drive. The 9th Annual Donation Drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public School students most in need. However, due to COVID-19, this upcoming school year may include distance learning, and an estimated 27,000 students will also need Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets in order to continue learning online and join their classmates.
“Back to school supplies can be a financial burden for families, especially for families who have more than one child in school,” said Mayor Spano. “Distance learning will also be the main focus for many of our parents and students. Without remote access, many students are unable to connect with virtual learning, assignments, and other essential resources to stay on track with their education. By working together as a whole, we will continue to support the students of Yonkers.”
“These are extraordinarily challenging times for so many of our students and families, both financially and emotionally,” noted Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools.
“This year more than ever, our children need not only backpacks and school supplies, they also need laptops and tablets for learning from home. For our students, we must remain committed to the success of the District’s September Reopening that relies on strong partnerships with individuals, business, and community members.”
Board of Education President Steve Lopez stated, “The Mayor’s annual backpack drive has provided thousands of our students with valuable resources to support their progress. The enormous generosity offered by our community brings hope and a promise for a great school year.”
Beginning today, backpacks and school supply donations may be made at the following Backpack to School drop-off locations until Friday, August 21:
Yonkers Riverfront Library - 1 Larkin Center
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
Aside from school supplies and to ensure that no student is left without a fighting chance to obtain a proper education, businesses and individuals throughout our community were asked to help provide Chromebooks [HP Chromebook 11A G8; Education Edition – 11.6”; A4 9120C – 4 GB Ram – 32; #16W64UT#ABA] to those in need during these unprecedented times.
According to the National Retail Federation, the national average spent on back to school supplies is $29.5 Billion. Parents spend hundreds of dollars on back to school items, including school supplies, clothing, shoes, and electronics, totaling to more than $600 per child.
For more information about the program, please contact the City of Yonkers Communications Office at 914-377-6300 or visit www.yonkersny.gov/backpack
