Students in Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties will receive critical school supplies.

This August, Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Supplies for Success has hundreds of volunteers of all ages helping to assemble 2,800 new backpacks with school supplies for students in need. To date, 20 community partners and local schools will receive the backpacks to then distribute to students for the coming school year.

“Federation has always taken great pride in Supplies for Success. This year, the need was particularly great and with support from our funders and volunteers we are providing 2,800 students with new backpacks—that’s an increase of 1,000 from the prior year,” said Jason M. Shames, CEO of Jewish Federation.

UNITS of Northern NJ, a locally owned moving and portable storage company provided Federation with four UNITS storage containers to store the massive quantity of materials. “When we heard about this education-focused initiative for financially disadvantaged students, we were eager to help. We are happy to be supporting Jewish Federation’s important work with students in our community,” explained Matthew Coolidge, president, UNITS of Northern NJ. Staples in Paramus also provided Federation with more than 80 assorted school supplies.

“Every child deserves to start the school year with a formula for success and that includes new school supplies. Knowing we are helping so many kids start their school year with the tools needed for success is very meaningful and seeing the number of volunteers stepping up to help is inspiring,” said Shara Nadler, manager, Federation’s Volunteer Center. “We will continue to keep our ear to the ground, listen to community partners, and help address any other pressing needs that emerge.”

The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey is dedicated to preserving, fostering and securing a vibrant local Jewish community for today and beyond. In our community, Federation provides the leadership, vision, guidance and resources necessary to help those in need. Working collaboratively with donors, volunteers and other Jewish organizations, we are transforming lives together.

For more information, please go to www.jfnnj.org/supplies.