State Senator Shelley B. Mayer partnered with United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties and Hispanic Federation for her annual Back-To-School supply drive for students and teachers. The donations were distributed at Port Chester Middle School on Tuesday, August 26 during News 12 and Optimum’s Backpack Giveaway event. 

From July 21 through August 21, Senator Mayer, United Way and Hispanic Federation collected donations at the City of Rye Recreation Center, Tuckahoe Village Hall, Pound Ridge Townhouse, and Senator Mayer’s office in White Plains. Among the supplies were: backpacks, spiral notebooks, composition books, two-pocket folders, pencil cases, twelve-inch rulers, safety scissors, #2 pencils, ballpoint pens, colored pencils, crayons, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, highlighters, pink erasers and three-ring binders. 

Senator Shelley Mayer said, “As always, I am thankful to live in a community that comes together to ensure our neighbors have everything they need to thrive. The new school year is an exciting time for students and teachers and is an opportunity for a fresh start, but for many families, school supplies are too expensive. I am overwhelmed once again by the generosity of our community, and I thank everyone who donated to our drive. I also thank the City of Rye Recreation Center, the Tuckahoe Village Hall, and the Pound Ridge Town House for providing drop-off locations. Lastly, thank you to United Way of Westchester and Putnam and Hispanic Federation for your commitment to our community and for partnering with me to ensure our students and teachers can start the school year off strong.”

Tom Gabriel, United Way of Westchester and Putnam President and CEO, said,  “40% of our Westchester residents are living in poverty or paycheck-to-paycheck, and with the skyrocketing costs of necessities like food and clothing, the donations from the Back-To-School Drive will save hard-working families real money as they get their children ready for school.”

Jessica Orozco Guttlein, Acting Co-President of Hispanic Federation said, “Back-to-school season is a time of excitement and possibility for students across New York State. At the same time, it is also a period when many parents stress about finding essential supplies and ensuring their children are ready for the school year. That’s why Hispanic Federation is proud to work with community members and dedicated leaders like Senator Shelley Mayer to alleviate some of that stress and ensure our children have the essential tools they need to thrive in the classroom. Together, we are addressing long-standing disparities in hopes that students are able to start the school year with dignity, confidence, and opportunity.”