FACT SHEET

SPONSOR:	National Council of Jewish Women - Essex County Section
GOAL:	To provide underserved Essex County elementary school children with clothing, school supplies and other necessities that will help create positive self-esteem and enthusiasm so that the children will be ready to focus on learning.
DATE:	Sunday, August 1, 2010
TIME:	11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SITE:	B'nai Shalom, 300 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ. This site is reachable by public transportation and also has ample parking.
WHO WILL BENEFIT:	350 children from pre-qualified low-income households in Essex County will be eligible to receive items to help prepare them for that important first day of school. NCJW will work with social service agencies, churches and community organizations to select and register children. The Back 2 School Store is an annual event and the number of children served is expected to increase each year.
HOW IT WORKS:	The Back 2 School Store is set up like a department store. Volunteer personal shoppers will accompany the children as they shop for new clothing and school supplies in their favorite colors and styles. Each personal shopper should expect to spend an hour shopping with each child. While the children are shopping, parents and other caregivers will have the opportunity to visit the onsite Family Resource Center where programs and information about community resources, Medicaid, adult health care, and career and educational opportunities will be available.
WHAT A CHILD RECEIVES:	Each child will shop for a complete new outfit of clothing (shirt, pants, winter jacket and sneakers), plus underwear, socks, hat, gloves and scarf. They will also receive a new backpack filled with school supplies and personal care items.
FUNDING SOURCES:	National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section, will provide all volunteers and will seek cash gifts, merchandise, in-kind donations and support from local and national companies, foundations, synagogues and churches, service groups and individuals.
FURTHER INFORMATION:	Call 973-740-0588 or email ncjw@ncjwessex.org.