YONKERS, NY – August 31, 2012 – Mayor Mike Spano today was joined by Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio, volunteers, parents and students to announce the completion of the City’s Backpack to School supply drive. The Mayor, Superintendent and volunteers including members of the Yonkers PTA and Westchester Arc were on site packaging the backpacks for distribution to Yonkers students.
“The goal of this program was to bring together our communities in helping make sure all our students have the supplies they need as they head back to school,” said Mayor Spano. “The tremendous support of our local residents and businesses speaks volumes to the strength of our city and I thank all participants, from those who made donations to those here volunteering today, for their contribution in support of our youth.”
Mayor Spano announced that the Backpack to School drive brought in well over 1,000 backpacks stocked with supplies and specifically thanked Empire City Casino, local backpack distribution company Access Bag N’ Pack, and the Yonkers Federation of Teachers for their donations of backpacks and supplies to the program.
Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio has identified second and third grade students in eight schools across the city for which the backpacks and supplies will be distributed.
“As our students prepare to return to school we are excited to have the opportunity to offer over 1,000 families much needed school supplies for their children,” said Superintendent Pierorazio. “This is a great way to kick off the new school year and we are thankful for the outpouring of support from the city and our communities.”
Since announcing the program nearly two weeks ago, Mayor Spano said residents have been dropping off backpacks and supplies at designated Backpack to School drop box locations throughout Yonkers. The Mayor also noted that the drive has inspired other groups to hold their own events for students heading back to school, including a Backpack to School Party being sponsored by Marathon Development and CLUSTER Community Services for students residing at Jackson Terrace Apartments in Yonkers.
Posted by the City of Yonkers: News
