Backpacks, notebooks and pencils donated at the Bronxville Public Library over the past month are now packed and headed to Westchester families who need them.

State Sen. Shelley B. Mayer and United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties wrapped up their annual back-to-school supply drive on Aug. 17.

The library at 201 Pondfield Road served as one of five drop-off sites during the drive, which ran from July 16 through Aug. 12. The other locations were the Grinton I. Will Yonkers Public Library, Mamaroneck Town Center, Pound Ridge Town House and Mayer's district office in White Plains.

Donors filled bins with backpacks, spiral notebooks, composition books, two-pocket folders, pencil cases, rulers, safety scissors, #2 pencils, ballpoint pens, colored pencils, crayons, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, highlighters, erasers and three-ring binders.

Tom Gabriel, president and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, said more than 41% of hard-working neighbors in the community are struggling to make ends meet as costs for food, gas and clothing climb. "As people deal with skyrocketing costs associated with necessities like food, gas, and clothing, the donations from this Back-To-School Drive will save hard-working families real money as they get their children ready for school," Gabriel said to Yonkers Times.

The senator thanked the community for contributing, noting that school supplies remain too expensive for many local families. She said she was grateful to live in a community that comes together to help ensure kids have the resources they need to start the year strong.

No specific count of backpacks collected or families to be served has been released, and a distribution date has not been announced.

The Bronxville Public Library is at 201 Pondfield Road and can be reached at (914) 337-7680 for information about future collection drives.