The Catholic Charities of New York community center in Yonkers, New York, is known locally as an indispensable resource for neighbors in need. In recent weeks, it has also become a source of hope and joy for families with young children starting the school year.
In Yonkers, 13.5% of residents live below the federal poverty line, above the national average of 12.5% and the Westchester County–wide average of 9%. In communities like this, backpacks and other school supplies can be prohibitively expensive for parents, who are often struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over their families’ heads.
This summer, the staff and volunteers at the Yonkers center, along with upstanding community partners, stepped in to ensure that parents didn’t have to choose between the bare necessities and their kids’ academic success.
This past Tuesday, August 25, the Yonkers center teamed up with MGM Empire City Casino to host a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, distributing 175 backpacks filled with school supplies to K–12 school-bound children from 80 families.
The families were also invited to choose from a selection of free clothes and enjoyed coloring, field games, and other activities. Returning volunteer Giovanna Ramos did face painting, and Creations by Canela generously provided balloons. Volunteers Juan and Alberto manned a popcorn station.
“It was really nice seeing the children running around, playing games, getting their faces painted, coloring, and talking with one another,” says Catholic Charities of New York Training Coordinator Alexa Mayorquin. “Some of the families were also able to spend time getting to know our staff, learning about upcoming events and activities at the center, and seeing some of the other services and opportunities available to them.”
Many of the families were participants in the center’s Day Laborers Program (Jornaleros de Yonkers), which helps individuals and families with workforce development and job training, eviction prevention, financial literacy education, language classes, and benefits assistance. The Yonkers center also operates a community garden and food assistance programs.
The prior week, Molina Healthcare partnered with the center for a similar event, distributing 60 backpacks.
“One of my favorite things about these events is that the families are not just coming in for a service or to attend a training, but to relax, connect with one another, and enjoy the space together,” says Mayorquin.
