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Yonkers Goes 'Backpack To School' With Drive

YONKERS, N.Y. – City and school officials are doing their best to make sure children are well prepared to head back to school this fall.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced Monday the launch of Yonkers’ “Backpack to School” drive, designed to provide backpacks and other school supplies to needy public school children.

“September is just around the corner and while many students may not be thinking of school just yet, we are encouraging residents and businesses to take action now in helping ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed as they head back to school,” Spano said in a news release announcing the program.

Nationwide, parents will spend an average of $700 on back-to-school supplies this year, according to a recent study by the National Retail Federation. But many simply don’t have the money to afford that, the mayor said.

“It’s times like these when our government can play an important role in bringing together our communities to support those who need a little help, most importantly our youth,” he said.

Working in partnership with Yonkers Superintendent of Schools Bernard Pierorazio, Spano said the city is hoping to hand out 300 supply packages to students in five elementary schools across Yonkers.

Starting Tuesday, drop-off locations for the supply packages, new or “like new” backpacks filled with various supplies, will be set up around the city.

Organizers ask donors consider filling backpacks with the following:

  • Crayons
  • Pencils
  • Ruler
  • Four Composition Notebooks (wide-line)
  • Assignment Pad/Book
  • Glue Sticks
  • Markers – Multi-color
  • Pencil Case
  • Pocket Folders
  • Tissues

“Backpack to School” will run through Aug. 31. Drop-off locations include Yonkers City Hall, the Kevin Cacace Justice Center, the 87 Nepperhan government building, Yonkers Riverfront Library, the Grinton I. Will Library and each of the city’s four Police Precincts.

For more information about the “Backpack to School” drive contact the mayor’s office at (914) 377-6300.

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