New Community families participated in the 14th annual Back 2 School Store, sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women Essex County (NCJW/Essex). Children throughout Essex County each received a brand-new winter coat, clothes, socks, underwear, an age-appropriate book and personal care items, along with a backpack filled with school supplies, all chosen based on their specific requests.
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, children went in person to shop for items in a pop-up store, but since 2020, the event has been mobile, with items being delivered to families.
New Community Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson works closely with NCJW/Essex to ensure NCC children are included in the annual event.
“I would like to thank the entire NCJW/Essex committee and volunteers who gave so much of their time to make this event a successful one for the children,” Wilson said.
Wilson also thanks others who donated backpacks and school supplies to New Community and St. Rose of Lima parish, including Kathy and Bill Hoffman, Father Owen and parishioners of St. Luke’s Catholic Church of Long Valley, Katherine Grifonetti of Old Tappan, Sister Mary of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and Margaret Strong of Summit.
Photos courtesy of Anibal Alvelo and Jennifer Wicker-Buchanan.