YONKERS, NY ~ Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, along with Yonkers Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio and Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr., joined public officials from the Yonkers City Council, Westchester County, and the New York State Assembly to present 450 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at Rosemarie Ann Siragusa School. This event was part of the Mayor's annual "Backpack to School Drive" on August 25, 2025.

Mayor Spano expressed his gratitude for the support of the community and sponsors in providing these essential supplies for Yonkers students. He acknowledged that this generosity will equip them for a successful academic year ahead and thanked all donors for their kindness and commitment to the city's future.

The backpacks and school supplies were donated by City of Yonkers employees, residents, as well as corporate and nonprofit sponsors such as Heavenly Productions Foundation, Ridge Hill, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Castle Royale, Adonis Crosby, The Appliance Doctor, and Rock 'N Rods Classic Car Club.

Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio shared her personal experience as a mother and how quickly back-to-school costs can add up. She emphasized that with the average family spending nearly $900 on supplies and essentials, this expense can be a burden for many parents. However, with the Mayor's care for children and families prompting the generosity of partners like Heavenly Productions Foundation, this burden is eased and students can start the year ready to learn.

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Superintendent Aníbal Soler Jr. reiterated that their priority is to ensure every child comes to school prepared to learn. He highlighted how receiving this kind of support not only eases financial strain but also gives students the tools they need from day one. He also commended Mayor Spano for building a strong community over the years, which aligns with their Yonkers 2030 vision to empower, advance, and engage every student.

Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon, Chairwoman of Heavenly Productions Foundation, expressed their pride in donating 250 backpacks and 250 sets of school supplies to the Mayor's Backpack Outreach. She mentioned that for the past 14 years, their charity has been dedicated to supporting Yonkers Public Schools and they are honored to continue this tradition. Their hope is that these donations will provide encouragement and necessary tools for students to start the school year with confidence and success.

Meghann Hongach, General Manager of Ridge Hill, also shared their commitment to giving back to the community as a gathering place for Yonkers families. They have been partnering with Mayor Spano's "Backpack to School Drive" each year and are honored to help ensure students have the necessary tools to go back to school with confidence and excitement.

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Since 2012, Mayor Spano's annual donation drive has distributed over 20,000 backpacks and school supplies to public school students. Due to the continuous outpour of support, non-profit organizations, churches, and clients of the Westchester County Department of Social Services in the City of Yonkers are also able to receive backpacks and school supplies each year.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), families with kids in grades K-12 expect to spend $858.07 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics for the 2025 school year. Total back-to-school spending is expected to reach $39.4 billion this year compared to $38.8 billion last year.

The Mayor's "Backpack to School Drive" not only helps alleviate financial burden for families but also brings together the community in support of education. With this annual event, Mayor Spano continues his commitment towards empowering Yonkers students for a brighter future.

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