The Yonkers Federation of Teachers gave back to the community during the union’s annual Storybook Bonanza at the Riverfront Library. The educators donated children’s books that students in grades pre-K-6 were able to take home for free.

This year’s event was dedicated to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Sen. Shelley Mayer for being strong and consistent champions of public education. Both the Majority Leader and the Senator have fought tirelessly to ensure all Yonkers students have what they need to thrive.

“Today’s book giveaway is a small way for our teachers to show how much we care about our students beyond the classroom and our commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading,” said YFT President Samantha Rosado-Ciriello. “It’s also a way for us to say thank you to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Sen. Shelley Mayer for being true advocates for public education. These women deserve to be recognized for their unwavering commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn and grow.”

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “the dedicated, selfless educators who comprise the Yonkers Federation of Teachers are heroes. Their commitment to their students impacts thousands of young lives here in Yonkers every year, as they inspire students of all ages and prepare the next generation for the challenges of life. Their incredible spirit and drive is an inspiration to leaders like Sen. Mayer and myself, and we will continue to do all we can in Albany to make sure children in Yonkers and across our state attend safe, fully funded schools staffed with talented and dedicated teachers. It is beyond humbling, to be recognized by this incredible group for what we do to support them in their labor of love.”

Sen. Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am delighted to join the Yonkers Federation of Teachers to celebrate the Annual Storybook Bonanza at the Riverfront Library. This distribution of free books for children from pre-k through 6th grade reflects the ongoing commitment of YFT teachers to all of our children and all of our beautiful community. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am deeply proud of the investments we continue to make to support the Yonkers Public Schools, to eliminate distractions and disruptions in the classroom, and to support teachers as they lead the future of New York. I am personally so proud of our Yonkers Public Schools, our wonderful teachers and the dedication of this union to our city.”