Shopping at NCJW’s Back 2 School store

Roughly 800 children will take part in the fifth annual National Council of Jewish Women’s Back 2 School store on July 30. The event where children “shop” for an array of items and parents can get information on a variety of resources is a collaboration between the Peninsula and South Shore NCJW sections.

Children are helped by a personal shopper and are able to pick out a backpack filled with school supplies, winter coats, hats, gloves, pants, shirts, underwear, sneakers, pajamas, and personal care items. The personal shopper spends about 45 minutes with the child during the eight-hour event that stretches from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our goal is to clothe and prepare economically disadvantaged children for the new school year,” said Hope Coleman, a Peninsula section vice president. “Over 750 children have been invited and 250 volunteers will be participating this year to make this a memorable event. The joy on the children’s faces is almost matched by the joy of the volunteers who are so happy to participate in this event.” Last year 600 children shopped at the store, NCJW officials said, adding that 200 volunteers serve as personal shoppers.

In addition to the shopping, parents/guardians can visit the Family Resource Center and get a free blood pressure screening and information from 20 different organizations ranging from Advantage Health Care Centers, Literacy Nassau and the Safe Center.

“[The Back 2 School store] helps increase children's self esteem by letting them make their own choices and giving them confidence to start the school year like all children,” said Ilene Gold, president of the South Shore section.

All the children and families were selected by agencies and organizations that provide services to people in need across Nassau County. The location was not identified.