As students return to school and families prepare their kids for their first day back, Montefiore Health System has partnered with community allies and various elected officials throughout The Bronx and Westchester to donate thousands of supplies to local community members. The “Healthy Back-to-School” series comes at a critical period for many families due to the soaring costs of back-to-school supplies.

 

According to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, the cost of school supplies has gone up 12% compared to last year, with families spending at least $130 per student. That doesn’t include clothes, technology or activity fees. Meanwhile, some surveys have shown parents of K-12 students are planning not to spend as much as previous years on back-to-school supplies due to the economic challenges they are facing.

 

Through more than a dozen events held over the last two months, Montefiore Health System provided more than 1,500 students with school supplies, including 1,350 back-to-school kits, comprising age-appropriate books, pens, and rulers. The hospital network also provided new backpacks to children.

The events, part of Montefiore’s “Healthy Back-to-School” series, were held in partnership with local elected officials and community-based organizations, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, State Sen. Luis R. Sepulveda (S.D. 32), State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33), State Sen. Jamaal Bailey (S.D. 36), Assembly Members Kenny Burgos (A.D. 85) ), Karines Reyes (A.D. 87), George Alvarez (A.D. 86), John Zaccaro, Jr. (A.D. 80) Latoya Joyner (A.D. 77) and Yudelka Tapia (A.D. 86).

 

“There is a sense of magic and excitement that is palpable amongst parents, students, and educators as the school year draws near,” said Marcos Crespo, senior vice president of community affairs at Montefiore Health System. “We are proud to host our events while collaborating with our elected leaders and community partners to donate school supplies like notebooks, pencils, pens, and more. We look forward to continuing to provide local youth with the supplies they need to succeed in the classroom.”

 

Government agencies, community-based organizations and other partners included New York City Department of Education, New York Public Library, Chase Bank, Healthfirst, Castle Hill YMCA and Buttafly Lifestyle.

“Serving our communities means understanding that we address some of the unmet needs of our families that go beyond those we treat within the walls of our institution,” said Suzette Oyeku, MD, MPH, FAAP chief, division of academic general pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. “As medical professionals, we see our work supporting Bronx families as part of our practice. From birth to the first day of school, and every step beyond.”

 

For more information about Montefiore’s community programming and upcoming events, visit Montefiore in Community.