National Council of Jewish Women of Essex County once again sponsored its annual Back 2 School Store on Sunday, August 2. This has been an annual event for many years, and this year the organization was able to service 778 children from low-income families. The children received a full set of clothing from socks and underwear to outerwear jackets, scarves and gloves. Backpacks and school supplies were also given. These items were all new—nothing even “gently used” was considered.
In addition, the Gaelan Family Resource Center was on site to provide medical testing (vision, dental, cholesterol, blood pressure) as well as other information to help the families.
The event took place at Congregation B’nai Shalom in West Orange. The synagogue has graciously provided the space since the event’s inception.