Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: **NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO LAUNCHES 13th ANNUAL "BACKPACK TO SCHOOL" SUPPLY DONATION DRIVE.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAYOR SPANO LAUNCHES 13^th ANNUAL YONKERS “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL” DONATION DRIVE.

 

YONKERS, NY – August 1, 2024 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the launch of the City’s annual “Backpack to School” donation drive. The 13^th annual donation drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public Schools students most in need.

 

“In Yonkers, our aim is to bolster our children’s education and empower them to reach their academic aspirations,” said Mayor Spano. “To achieve this, we must furnish them with the necessary resources and support, recognizing that purchasing school supplies can pose financial difficulties for numerous families.”

 

“We believe every child in Yonkers deserves the tools necessary for success in school. Providing backpacks and school supplies is more than just giving materials - it's a way to show our students and families that their city is invested in their success.” noted Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. “We are grateful to Mayor Spano for his commitment to this tradition, which has had a significant positive impact on our students' educational journeys.

Beginning today, backpacks and school supply donations may be made at the following “Backpack to School” drop-off locations until Sunday, August 18^th:

 

Yonkers City Hall - 40 South Broadway (Lobby) [Until Friday, August 16^th]

Riverfront Library - One 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:

· 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

 

The latest survey on school supplies for 2024 from the National Retail Federation (NRF) determined that families with kids in grades K-12 expect to spend $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics. This is approximately $15 less than last year’s record of $890.07 but is the second-highest amount in the survey’s history. Total back-to-school spending is expected to reach $38.8 billion, also the second-highest figure on record, after last year’s high of $41.5 billion.

 

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 https://yonkersny.gov/backpackdrive.