While school doors haven’t even closed for summer, we’re already hard at work preparing for the 2025-26 school year. Our Backpacks to School program – marking its 15th year – ensures that children and teens across Westchester start the year equipped with the supplies they need to succeed—regardless of financial circumstance.
Last year, we distributed 1,946 backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies. This year, with need continuing to rise, we’re aiming to do even more—and we need your help to make it happen.
Get Involved – Help Us Make a Difference
Become a Sponsor
Support our Backpacks to School initiative and help us reach more families in need.
Donate Funds
Your contribution provides new age-appropriate backpacks and school supplies that help students start school with dignity and confidence.
Organize a Drive
Gather your coworkers, friends, or community group to collect backpacks and school supplies. Consider organizing a backyard party or a packing day at your offices to fill backpacks using our packing lists.
Volunteer
Lend a hand sorting supplies, assembling backpacks, or helping with distribution. Every hour of support
Drop off NEW School Supplies and NEW Backpacks at Your Local Library through August:
1. Ardsley Public Library
2. Bedford Hills Free Library
3. Dobbs Ferry Public Library
4. Greenburgh Public Library
5. Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library
6. Hendrick Hudson Free Library (Montrose)
7. Lewisboro Library
8. Mamaroneck Public Library District
9. Mount Kisco Public Library
10. New Rochelle Public Library
11. Pound Ridge Library District
12. Ruth Keeler Memorial Library (North Salem)
13. The Warner Library (Tarrytown)
14. Town of Pelham Public Library
15. Tuckahoe Public Library
16. John C Hart Memorial Library (Yorktown)
17. The Field Library (Peekskill)
Register here for our annual Community Packing Day
Ready to be part of something meaningful?
Contact Kate Levy (klevy@sharingshelf.org) to learn more about how you can help make Backpacks to School 2025 our most impactful yet.