SWBOCES receives backpacks for homeless students

A unique group of students will be the beneficiary of a generous back-to-school campaign from the Helping Hands for the Homeless & Hungry, Inc.

Each year the Rye-based organization donates backpacks to the Southern Westchester BOCES Homeless Student Program, which distributes the backpacks to students in its districts.

Among the many schools served is the Port Chester Public Schools.

A week before school began, Port Chester district liaison Kathleen Sutherland, received 30 backpacks filled with notebooks, pens and other essential school supplies. The backpacks will be distributed to students at Port Chester Middle and High schools.

“Whatever student needs them, gets them,” Ms. Sutherland said.

In the event that the district has more backpacks than they need, the remainder will be given to other students in need.

[Pictured, at right, Southern Westchester BOCES Homeless Student program coordinator Maria McGinty and staffer Jesus Martinez join Kathleen Sutherland, a district liaison with the Port Chester Public Schools, in gathering donated backpacks and school supplies to be distributed to Port Chester students.]