Back-to-school season arrived with music, laughter, and a whole lot of excitement in Mount Vernon this year. On Wednesday, August 19, Westchester Community Health Center (WCHC) teamed up with the City of Mount Vernon and News 12 to host a community-wide backpack giveaway at WCHC's Mount Vernon site. The event helped local children and families get ready for the new school year.
By the end of the day, 450 backpacks filled with school supplies had made their way into the hands of children in our community, generously donated by News 12, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Optimum.
The family-friendly event offered more than just school supplies. Parents and caregivers browsed booths from community partners and health insurance representatives and connected with organizations like Mom's Meals and Westchester Jewish Community Services. Meanwhile, kids bounced, played, and danced in the morning sunshine, enjoying the last days of summer, with a bouncy castle, Goya snacks, and a DJ keeping the energy high from start to finish.
Events like this capture what WCHC strives to do all year long: meet families where they are and connect them to health care and the broader resources that help children and communities thrive. As students headed back to the classroom, WCHC was proud to help send them off prepared, supported, and ready to learn.
