Yonkers Insider: For Immediate Release: ***NEWS RELEASE***: MAYOR SPANO LAUNCHES 14th ANNUAL YONKERS “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL” DONATION DRIVE.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

 

MAYOR SPANO LAUNCHES 14th ANNUAL YONKERS “BACKPACK TO SCHOOL” DONATION DRIVE.

 

YONKERS, NY – August 4, 2025 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the launch of the City’s annual “Backpack to School” donation drive. The 14th annual donation drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public Schools students most in need.

 

“Here in Yonkers, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed in school and beyond,” said Mayor Spano. “That’s why we’re working to make sure families have the support they need—because we know that even basic school supplies can be tough to afford. By teaming up with local businesses, nonprofits, and generous residents, we’re turning compassion into action—ensuring our students start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to thrive.”

 

“We’re grateful to Mayor Spano and the City of Yonkers for their partnership and generosity,” said Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. “This effort helps ensure more of our students have the tools they need to succeed and reflects the kind of community support that uplifts all of Yonkers Public Schools.”

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

 Yonkers City Hall - 40 South Broadway (Lobby)

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:

· 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 2025 from the National Retail Federation (NRF) determined that families with kids in grades K-12 expect to spend $858.07 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics. Total back-to-school spending is expected to reach $39.4 billion, up from $38.8 billion last 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 https://yonkersny.gov/backpackdrive.