Presents 450 Backpacks and School Supplies to Yonkers Public School Students
YONKERS, NY – August 25, 2025 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today joined Yonkers Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio, Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr., public officials from the Yonkers City Council, Westchester County and the New York State Assembly, Rosemarie Ann Siragusa Principal Melanie Vancol and event sponsors to present 450 backpacks, filled with school supplies, to the students at Rosemarie Ann Siragusa School as part of the Mayor’s annual “Backpack to School Drive.”
“I remain profoundly thankful for the steadfast support of our community and sponsors,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Together, we’ve gathered a remarkable supply of backpacks and school essentials for Yonkers students—equipping them for a successful academic year ahead. To every donor, your kindness and commitment to our city’s future mean more than words can express.”
Backpacks and school supplies were donated by City of Yonkers employees, residents, and a range of corporate and nonprofit sponsors including 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.
“As a mother, I remember when my own child was little and how quickly the costs of going back to school added up,” said Board of Education President Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio. “Today, with the average family spending nearly $900 on supplies and essentials, this expense imposes a real burden on many parents. With the Mayor’s care for children and families prompting the generosity of our partners, together, they help ease that burden and ensure our students start the year ready to learn. We are deeply grateful for this support, which means so much to families.”
“Our priority is to make sure every child comes to school prepared to learn,” said Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Aníbal Soler, Jr. “When families receive this kind of support, it not only eases the financial strain of back-to-school costs, but it also gives students the tools they need from day one. A backpack filled with supplies is more than just materials – it’s testament to a strong community that the mayor has built over the years. This aligns with our Yonkers 2030 vision to empower, advance, and engage every student. I thank the Mayor Spano and our partners for helping us give students the strong start they deserve.”
Chairwoman of Heavenly Productions Foundation, Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon added, “Heavenly Productions Foundation (HPF), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping babies and children in need, is proud to donate 250 backpacks and 250 sets of school supplies this year to Mayor Mike Spano’s Backpack Outreach. For the past 14 years, our charity has been committed to supporting the Yonkers Public Schools, and we are honored to continue this tradition. We hope these donations will provide encouragement and the necessary tools for students to start the school year with confidence and success.”
Ridge Hill General Manager, Meghann Hongach added, “As a gathering place for Yonkers families, Ridge Hill is committed to giving back to our community. We’re honored to partner with Mayor Spano’s ‘Backpack to School Drive’ each year and help ensure students have the tools to go back to school with confidence and excitement.”
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, each year 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.
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.