WHITE PLAINS, NY — County Executive Robert P. Astorino today announced that Westchester County is once again teaming up with The Sharing Shelf, a program of Family Services of Westchester (FSW), to collect and distribute school supplies so that children in need can start the school year ready to learn. This year people can donate online at www.fsw.org/backpacks or see the list below for the nearest drop-off location.
“Since launching our backpack partnership, we have helped give vital school supplies to thousands of children in Westchester County,” said Astorino. “As always, our goal is to help as many children as we can.”
Backpacks to School is a collaboration between The Sharing Shelf and the county’s Department of Social Services. Local businesses have also opened their doors and will serve as drop-off sites for donations.
“We can buy and fill a backpack for $25,” said Deborah Blatt, of The Sharing Shelf. “This year, we’ve made it easy and created a special link that allows people to help us purchase everything at www.fsw.org/backpacks. We’ve seen an increase in demand each summer for new school supplies and backpacks. We need the community’s support to make a positive difference in the lives of local children, many of who would otherwise start school without the basics.”
Susan B. Wayne, President and Chief Executive Officer of Family Services of Westchester, said: “Being able to provide children with these much needed supplies cannot be overstated. Family Services of Westchester is proud to be working with County Executive Astorino and the many other community partners who are all working toward the shared goal of helping our children.”
For more information about Backpacks to School, contact Deborah Blatt of The Sharing Shelf at (914) 305-5950 or thesharingshelf@fsw.org; or Joseph D. Kenner or Bryan Paler of the Department of Social Services at (914) 995-3287, (914) 995-3987 or JKenner@westchestergov.com.
Astorino also encouraged fathers and school leaders to save the date for this year’s Dads Take Your Child to School Day, taking place September 20, 2016. The event serves as a kickoff for fathers to be more involved in their children’s schooling all throughout the year, offering opportunities for dads to sign up to volunteer, serve on PTAs, receive informational mailings and more. Ask your school about any special activities planned for the day. The countywide coordination is part of Astorino’s #DadBeThere fatherhood initiative, which aims to actively engage fathers in all aspects of their children’s lives.
“It’s a fact: kids do better in school when dads are involved,” Astorino said. “Show your kids you care. Be there. And keep that momentum going all throughout the school year to help them succeed.”
Operation Backpack collection bins will be set up throughout the county, including:
Government Offices
Westchester County Michaelian Office Building
148 Martine Avenue, White Plains
(914) 995-2100
Department of Social Services (DSS) Central Office
112 East Post Road, White Plains
(914) 995-5000
Mount Vernon District Office (DSS)
100 East First St, Mount Vernon
(914) 813-6164
Peekskill District Office (DSS)
750 Washington St., Peekskill
(914) 862-5078
White Plains District Office (DSS)
85 Court St., White Plains
(914) 995-5889
Yonkers District Office (DSS)
31 Warburton Av. Yonkers
(914) 231-2653
Nonprofits
Family Services of Westchester – Main Office
One Gateway Plaza, 4th floor, Port Chester
(914) 305-6825
Family Services of Westchester – Pelham
507 Fifth Ave., Pelham
(914) 738-1728
Family Services of Westchester
Lanza Center for All Ages
106 North Broadway, White Plains
914-305-6875
Businesses
Broken Bow Brewery
173 Marbledale Rd, Tuckahoe
(914) 268-0900
Miller’s Toys
335 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck
(914) 698-5070
Sportech
124 S Ridge St, Rye Brook, NY 10573
(914) 934-0001
PM Pediatrics – Mamaroneck
620 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck
(914) 777-5437
PM Pediatrics – Yonkers
2290 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers
(914) 337-5437
Vision of Tomorrow
132 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont
(914) 834-4052
Voracious Reader
1997 Palmer Ave, Larchmont
(914) 630-4581