Hundreds Of Kids Get Free School Supplies In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Tovah. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

With abundant smiles and genuine excitement, hundreds of children shopped for free at Tovah's 2026 Back 2 School Store held on Sunday.

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Following months of planning by an all-volunteer committee, Tovah (formerly NCJW/Essex) once again created a mini department store and unique shopping experience for elementary school-aged kids from across Essex County. When the children arrive at the store, they are paired with their very own "personal shopper" who guides them as they choose things they want to wear, read and enjoy, without parents' influence or concern of cost.

This year marked the 18th annual Back 2 School Store, which was held for the second consecutive year at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston. Each child leaves the store outfitted with a shirt and pants, a pair of sneakers, a warm winter coat, hats and gloves, a week's worth of underwear and socks, personal care items, books and a backpack filled with school supplies. All items are brand new and free to the children.

"One of the most important parts of the Back 2 School Store is to create an environment where kids feel confident and empowered, and we hope they take those feelings into the school year," said Lauren Tabak Fass, president of Tovah. "For our volunteers, it is so exciting to see the smile on a child's face when they discover an item in their favorite color, slip it on and know that it is theirs to take home to wear and enjoy."

While the children shopped, their parents and caregivers visited the Gaelen Family Resource Center where more than a dozen agencies offered valuable information and resources, from vision, glucose and cholesterol screenings, details about how to register to vote, resources about SNAP and other benefits and even fresh produce.

Each family also received a grocery gift card and menstrual products from Tovah. As a special sendoff, every child in attendance was treated to an ice cream, generously donated by a Tovah member and her family.

The Back 2 School Store is Roseland-based Tovah's biggest annual volunteer event, with more than 300 volunteers involved in planning, organization, shopping, and creating an unforgettable day for children and their families.

The Back 2 School Store Committee works throughout the year with nearly 35 social service agencies, community groups and religious organizations across Essex County who identify and register children and families for the annual summer event.

"Community service is core to what we do and who we are as Tovah, and there is no better example of that than the Back 2 School Store," said Caitlin Higgins Joy, executive director of Tovah. "We are so grateful to our volunteers, agency partners and the many sponsors and donors who make this incredible day possible year after year."

Tovah, formerly known as NCJW/Essex, is a community of Jewish women who connect, volunteer and advocate. Tovah is an inclusive, member-driven organization united by a deep commitment to service and advocacy. We work together to deliver positive impact for clients, partners and communities of all backgrounds. For more information, visit www.tovah.org

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