NCJW/Essex 10th Annual Back 2 School Store Receives Grant

LIVINGSTON, NJ, August 14, 2018 – NCJW/Essex received a $2,500 grant from Investors Foundation in support of its 10th Annual Back 2 School Store (B2SS), a yearly event where economically disadvantaged children are able to shop cost-free for brand new attire, school supplies and personal care items, encouraging a well-equipped and confident start to the new school year. The event, on Sunday, July 29, 2018, outfitted 860 children with the help of 550 volunteers.

“The support from Investors Foundation is important to the success of this community-wide event,” said Lesley Greenstein, President, NCJW/Essex. “We rely on the generosity of many individuals, foundations and corporations to enable us to purchase brand new items for the children including pants, shirts, winter coats, gloves, socks, undergarments, hats and backpacks.” Greenstein explains that the children are referred by over 30 social service agencies and are escorted through the store with a personal shopper. While the children shopped, parents and guardians visited the onsite Gaelen Family Resource Center, which offered information from numerous community service agencies as well as health screenings and information.

The cost of school supplies is often overlooked as a major annual expense. Families that are living in poverty struggle with the rising cost demands of public education. In Essex County alone, 24% of households with children lived below the poverty level in 2015. NCJW/Essex believes that no child should start off the school year already behind, and has put together the B2SS for the past ten years to meet this need.

PHOTO CAPTION (1) Getting Ready! As excitement builds, volunteer Jodi Bloom of Short Hills organizes jackets in anticipation of the day.

PHOTO CAPTION (2) A young shopper excitedly shows off her colorful new shirt at the NCJW/Essex Back 2 School Store.

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About National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. With more than 3,200 members, Essex County Section is the largest of the more than 100 NCJW Sections around the country. The Section was founded in 1912 and maintains offices in Livingston, N.J. For more information, visit www.ncjwessex.org.

About Investors Bank

Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, is a full-service community bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With over $23 billion in assets and a network of more than 150 retail branches, Investors delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors’ banking services include complete deposit, loan and cash management products for consumers and businesses. Investors Bank. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

About Investors Foundation

Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education and affordable housing. Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its customers and neighbors.

For more information, please visit https://www.myinvestorsbank.com/Community/Investors-Foundation.