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Leake & Watts Backpack Drive Continues

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Last year, parents spent $103 on average for school supplies, according to the National Retail Federation -- but many low-income families do not have $103 to spare. The Yonkers-based nonprofit Leake & Watts is trying to make the season easier, with its annual backpack drive, until Aug. 12.

These were the items Salon 421, of Scarsdale, donated to this backpack drive last year.

These were the items Salon 421, of Scarsdale, donated to this backpack drive last year.

 Photo Credit: Leake and Watts Services Facebook
Rachel Martin

"It's such a small thing to do, but it means the world to these children and their families," explains Meredith Barber, senior director of institutional advancement at Leake & Watts, which supports 11,000 children, adults and families in the New York metro area.

"By donating needed school supplies, you have the power to help prepare children to do their best in school. Every child deserves the tools to rise above adversity, achieve great things and succeed in life."

Donations can be dropped off at the Leake & Watts campus in Yonkers -- at 463 Hawthorne Ave. -- or the agency will arrange pickup of large donations.

Barber says backpacks for students in kindergarten through high school are most needed. Additionally, the drive is seeking

  • three-ring binders and dividers
  • composition notebooks
  • one-subject spiral notebooks
  • pocket folders
  • No. 2 pencils, crayons and highlighters
  • rulers, glue sticks and erasers

For more information, to arrange pickup or to make an in-person donation, contact Catherine Mason at 914-375-8813 or cmason@leakeandwatts.org.

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