RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:
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A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF YONKERS COMMEMORATING OCTOBER 2, 2026, AS NATIONAL CUSTODIAN APPRECIATION DAY IN THE CITY OF YONKERS
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WHEREAS, National Custodian Day in America is observed on October 2nd each year. It is a day to recognize and appreciate the custodians who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our public buildings, schools, and workplaces clean, safe and sanitary. The day was established to make the essential work of custodians more formal and to draw attention to the importance of their role in maintaining public health and daily life; and
WHEREAS, The origins of National Custodian Day date back to 1985 when it was established to recognize the invaluable contributions custodians make daily. Over time, this day has grown in significance, especially during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted their critical role in maintaining sanitary environments; and
WHEREAS, beginning in the 18th Century the Industrial Revolution increased demand for custodial roles in factories and schools and custodians began to fill and serve those needs in order to keep the public comfortable, healthy and safe.
WHEREAS, In 2020 the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized custodians’ important vital role in public health and safety such that we discovered that society as we know it could not exist without their hard work and dedication; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting that the term “custodian” comes from the Latin word custos, meaning “guardian.” As they are truly guardians of all the public spaces we share. Custodians are also unsung heroes as they often work after hours when no one else is around in order to ensure spaces are ready for everyone the next day. In doing so, historically, we all know that they handle more than cleaning as many also perform maintenance and repair tasks that keep our homes, schools and workplaces up and running; and
WHEREAS, The City of Yonkers is home to and employs many custodians in many capacities including serving in schools, hospitals, workplaces, and various public facilities that serve all of our daily needs; and
WHEREAS, National Custodian Day is observed with gestures of appreciation such as thank-you notes, small gifts, or organized events to honor custodial staff at Schools, Hospitals and various workplaces which should take this opportunity to acknowledge their contributions publicly; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Yonkers City Council hereby commemorates and declares October 2, 2026, to be National Custodian Appreciation Day in the City of Yonkers and encourages the residents of the City of Yonkers to recognize the day accordingly.