Families in Bronxville, Eastchester, and Scarsdale can help low-income students start the school year equipped by dropping off new backpacks and school supplies at Tuckahoe Public Library, one of 17 Westchester County libraries collecting donations through Monday, August 10.

The countywide drive, organized by The Sharing Shelf with support from the Westchester Library System and The Arc Westchester, began Monday, July 20. Collected supplies go to children and teens living in poverty across the county through The Sharing Shelf's Backpacks to School program, which fills new backpacks with grade-appropriate materials.

A 2026 KPMG survey found families nationwide expect to spend $252 per child on back-to-school purchases this year, up 6% from last year. Nearly 80% of parents attributed the increase to higher prices for the same essentials. Duleep Rodrigo, KPMG's U.S. consumer and retail leader, said in the July report that families "are paying more this back-to-school season, but they aren't getting more."

That cost pressure is part of what drives local collection efforts like this one.

How to donate

Bring new school supplies or backpacks to Tuckahoe Public Library at 71 Columbus Ave., Tuckahoe, NY 10707, during regular library hours. For questions, call 914-961-2121.

The deadline is Monday, August 10.

Other nearby participating libraries include New Rochelle Public Library, Ardsley Public Library, and Dobbs Ferry Public Library. The full list of 17 drop-off sites is available through The Sharing Shelf's website.