The Back 2 School Store encompasses everything NCJW/Essex stands for: active volunteers who get things done, meeting the needs of the community, and executing a massive project flawlessly. 

The 2026 Back 2 School Store is set to once again deliver smiles, hugs, and much-needed gear to send children to school ready to learn and succeed.

Children leave the Back 2 School Store with a new outfit, a pair of sneakers, a warm winter coat, hats and gloves, scarves, underwear, socks, personal care items, books and a backpack filled with school supplies. Parents and caregivers have access to a wide range of community information and resources. All at no cost to them and their families.
THANK YOU to you and your team for all of your hard work and determination. The amount of work that it takes to create such a wonderful experience for these children and families does not go unnoticed. I do hope that you realize the great IMPACT that the B2SS initiative has on helping these children with their self-esteem, independence, confidence and letting them see firsthand the power of partnership and community.
Kendra Orta
Programs for Parents

The Back 2 School Store is our biggest volunteer event of the year with hundreds of people involved in shopping, logistics, and helping children at the Store, led by the B2SS Steering Committee.

After picking their jackets, two of my children refused to take them off! The smiles and the excitement were heartwarming and I can’t wait to work on this committee and do more for next year!!!
Without a doubt… one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.
Lori Kaufman
Volunteer

Volunteer

Get involved. Sign-ups for day-of volunteer opportunities begin in the spring. Contact the NCJW/Essex Office at 973-740-0588 to learn more.

I'd like more information on volunteer opportunities.

You can make a difference at the 2026 Back 2 School Store

The National Retail Federation estimates it costs about $1000 to get a child ready for school.  The generosity of individuals and corporate sponsors help the Back 2 School Store send hundreds of children to school in the fall ready to learn and helps lift the financial burden for so many families.  

Make a Gift to the Back 2 School Store

Sponsor

Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available for the Back 2 School Store. Contact Caitlin Higgins Joy, NCJW/Essex Executive Director, for more information.

Click here to request more information on sponsorships.
Download sponsorship overview.
Thank you to our wonderful 2026 B2SS Sponsors.

Meet the Back 2 School Store Steering Committee

Leslie Dorman and Debbie Kirchen, 2026 Co-Chairs

Michelle Katz Beck

Janet Berger

Melissa Berger

Jordyn Blackburn

Susie Botwinick

Lisa Brodsky

Pam Chirls

Angela Cohen

Marci Echeverria

Deb Eckstein

Lauren Tabak Fass

Robin Feldman

 

Sherri Fendelman

Marisa Fishman

Lori Gelman

Stacey Gold 

Paula Green

Tara Heyderman

Phyllis Jacobs

Jill Sorkin Johnson

Sandy Katz

Rachel Khedouri

Danielle Kurlander

Lindsay Levin

Andrea Rakitta Mintz

Stacey Rudbart

Michelle Sachs

Bess Oransky 

Jennie Goldsmith Rothman

Veronica Ross

Deborah Legow Schatz

Laurie Schuftan

Anne Weisenberg

Myrna Wertheimer

Debi Wilson

NCJW/Essex 

Andrea Rakitta Mintz

President

Lauren Tabak Fass 

Executive Vice President

Caitlin Higgins Joy

Executive Director

Click Here to Read about the 2025 Back 2 School Store