Scarsdale Inquirer: It takes a village, like Scarsdale, to make Grad Bag work

To the Editor,

Grad Bag just completed its sixth, and by far largest and most successful, season of serving college bound students from low-income households. 

Grad Bag is a Scarsdale based green initiative started in 2012. We recycle, refurbish and give away thousands of pounds of dorm goods that otherwise may end up in landfills. This year we outfitted close to 500 students with dorm room supplies at five events in the Northeast.

With the close of the Grad Bag season, we thank the scores of volunteers who answered our call for help with lots of energy and smiles. 

We must give a big shout out to our Grad Bag partners who donate their services.

Westchester Reform Temple has been our home from the start.  We park six storage PODS and take over multiple classrooms and spaces with our daily work. 

Every year Unitex has laundered the linens we collect; more than 8,500 lbs in 2017 in NY, CT and Boston. 

McKenna Custom has provided trucking and lots of manpower since year one. 

For the last two years, Stanley Steemer has cleaned over 300 rugs. 

Mark Jessamy photographed the two NY giveaway events.  The amazing and unending generosity of these partners makes this huge undertaking possible.

As we grow each year, our need for help grows as well. We are indebted to Scarsdale residents, and friends and family who volunteer their time and energy to help Grad Bag serve a growing number of students.  

It takes a village, indeed, and we are grateful for this one.

For more information, or to volunteer or donate, go to www.gradbag.org

Liz Gruber and Tara Smith Tyberg

Co-Founders of Grad Bag