NJ Assemblyman, Advocates Spearhead School Drive For Foster Children

NEW JERSEY — Back-to-school shopping is a tradition for many students and families in North Jersey. But unfortunately, it’s not an annual rite that every child gets to experience, a state lawmaker says.

New Jersey Assemblyman Al Barlas recently partnered with Child Focus and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Passaic & Union Counties to host a month-long school supply drive at his district office to benefit children and teens living in foster care.

Barlas, a Republican from the state’s 40th District, was elected last year. He represents Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, Verona and West Caldwell in Essex County, in addition to several towns in Bergen and Passaic counties.

“Back-to-school shopping is a tradition for many students and families, but unfortunately it is not an annual rite that children living in the welfare system have the privilege of experiencing,” Barlas said. “They deserve that sense of normalcy and our community really stepped up to the plate to ensure these kids are ready for the classroom just like their peers.”

“The success of this school supply drive is a reflection of the caring community that I am honored to represent and the incredible impact of organizations like Child Focus and CASA, which advocate for New Jersey’s children in foster care,” he added.

Child Focus, the nonprofit child advocacy organization that runs Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Passaic and Union Counties, said more than 300 backpacks were collected during the drive.

Several local high school and middle school students volunteered their time to help organize and pack the donations, which will be distributed through the organization’s Open Door Store and by CASA volunteers.

Here's the concept behind the Open Door Store initiative, according to Child Focus:

"The Open Door Store is located at the Child Focus offices in Wayne and Elizabeth, where children and teens living in foster care are able to “shop” at no cost for backpacks, school supplies, and back-to-school clothing. By allowing these children to select items themselves, the Open Door Store provides autonomy and fosters a sense of normalcy for those who have experienced tremendous turmoil and live amid many unknowns in the child welfare system."

Erica Fischer-Kaslander, executive director of Child Focus, said the community put its generosity on display to make the drive a success, and thanked Barlas, the team at Keller Williams Prosperity, and the dozens of community members and organizations who contributed their time.

"The drive not only ensures these children start the school year with the necessary supplies, but also reinforces the important message that each child is valued and cared for," Fischer-Kaslander said.

Want to give the effort a boost? Child Focus will be holding their "Voices for Children" fundraising gala on Friday, Sept. 27 at the Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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