The Sharing Shelf is aiming to put 2,000 new backpacks filled with school supplies into the hands of Westchester County students before the first day of school, and the Port Chester-based nonprofit needs help from neighbors in Rye, Harrison and Rye Brook to get there.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins joined The Sharing Shelf on Wednesday, Aug. 12, to kick off the organization's 16th annual Backpacks to School campaign. The effort targets children and teens from kindergarten through high school whose families face financial hardship, matching each student with a backpack packed with grade-appropriate supplies through area schools and the Westchester County Department of Social Services.
The need is real. Community members have already responded to the campaign announcement on social media asking where to receive backpacks and how to donate, according to the county's official post on X.
The county government called on volunteers and donors to support the effort, saying every child deserves to start the school year with the supplies they need to succeed. The partnership between The Sharing Shelf and the Department of Social Services has run for more than 15 years, bringing together community partners each summer to reach families across the county.
The Sharing Shelf operates out of Port Chester, directly adjacent to Rye and Rye Brook, and its programs serve students throughout the area. Beyond backpacks, the nonprofit runs a Clothing Bank, Teen Boutique and drives for diapers, hygiene products and period supplies for young people facing material need.
Specific distribution dates and pickup locations for Rye, Harrison and Rye Brook have not been announced. Residents who want to donate, volunteer or request a backpack can visit sharingshelf.org or call (914) 305-5950.
What's ahead
- Rye Town Park concerts: The free summer concert series wraps up Tuesday, Aug. 25, with Logical Pretzel performing that final night.
- Playland Park: The park's summer season runs through Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day), with a final closing weekend Sept. 12-13.
