The Sharing Shelf Distributes Record Number Of Backpacks

PORT CHESTER, NY — The Sharing Shelf, the nonprofit clothing bank serving Westchester County, announced on Tuesday the record-setting results of its 14th annual "Backpacks to School" initiative.

During the initiative, which ran for six weeks over the summer, hundreds of volunteers joined together to assemble, fill, and distribute free backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies for Westchester students in need.

The number of backpacks filled and distributed this year was 1,926, which is 52 more than last year’s record.

They were distributed through 40 nonprofit organizations and public schools benefiting children from pre-K through high school in over 40 Westchester school districts.

According to Sharing Shelf officials, applications for clothing received by the organization have nearly tripled over the last five years: from 1,863 in 2018 to 5,579 in 2023. While Westchester is among the nation’s wealthiest counties, its poverty rate for children under five grew from 9.5 percent to 11.7 percent from 2021 to 2022, according to the Westchester Children’s Association. Over 67,000 children and teens live in poverty or in a low-income home.

"Backpacks and school supplies are a vital part of any student’s preparation for school," said Deborah Blatt, Founder and Executive Director of The Sharing Shelf. "It’s crucial that every student has access to those tools for their educational success. We are enormously grateful to the many businesses, community organizations, and individuals who have provided in-kind or financial support to make this record-setting outcome possible."

SEE ALSO:

• Sharing Shelf Finds Clothing Insecurity Can Lead To School Troubles
• The Sharing Shelf Unveils Unsettling New Data On Clothing Insecurity
• The Sharing Shelf Opens A Teen Boutique For Westchester Teens In Need