Photo Caption (left to right): Susan Wayne, CEO of Family Services of Westchester; Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino; Joe Kenner, Deputy Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Social Services; Michelle Nicholas, Vice President of the Family Services of Westchester.Aug. 9, 2017- County Executive Robert P. Astorino yesterday announced that Westchester County is once again teaming up with The Sharing Shelf, a program of the Family Services of Westchester (FSW), to collect and distribute school supplies so that children in need can start the school year ready to learn.

“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.

“The Sharing Shelf is proud to offer this program for the 6th year,” said Deborah Blatt, of the Sharing Shelf. “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from so many individuals, community groups and businesses in Westchester, all committed to providing low-income children with the tools they need to start the school year on the right foot."

Donations can be made online at www.fsw.org/backpacks or brought to the Family Services of Westchester’s warehouse on 47 Purdy Avenue, Port Chester. Volunteers can also help pack the backpacks and deliver them to the schools on the following days:

  • Packing on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2 – 5 p.m. at the Broken Bow Brewery in Tuckahoe
  • Packing on Tuesday, August 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Sharing Shelf in Port Chester
  • Distribution on Thursday, Aug. 24, Tuesday, Aug. 29 and Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Family Services of Westchester’s warehouse, 47 Purdy Ave. in Port Chester. Volunteers should sign-up by sending an e-mail to . All Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

“Each year we have been able to serve more and more students in need,” said Susan B. Wayne, President and Chief Executive Officer of Family Services of Westchester. “Thanks to the support of the individuals who donate their time, the corporations that make financial contributions, and the County Executive office’s logistical expertise, we can ensure that all Westchester children arrive at school ready to learn.”

For more information about Backpacks to School, contact Deborah Blatt of The Sharing Shelf by phone at (914) 305-5950 or by e-mail at ; or Joseph D. Kenner of the Department of Social Services by phone at (914) 995-3287 or by e-mail at .

Astorino also encouraged fathers and school leaders to save the date for this year’s Dads Take Your Child to School Day, taking place Sept. 19, 2017. 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.”

Photo Caption (left to right): Susan Wayne, CEO of Family Services of Westchester; Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino; Joe Kenner, Deputy Commissioner of Westchester County Department of Social Services; Michelle Nicholas, Vice President of the Family Services of Westchester.