LIVINGSTON, NJ, August 18, 2014— One of the most influential sponsors for this year’s NCJW/Essex 6th Annual Back 2 School was ShopRite of Brookdale in Bloomfield which donated all of the undergarments and socks for the August 3rd event.
The NCJW/Essex Back 2 School Store benefits hundreds of children in Essex County each year when economically disadvantaged children are able to “shop” cost-free in an entirely volunteer-run one day pop-up “department store.” The children are able to select an entirely new outfit complete with undergarments, socks, new sneakers, a winter coat, hat and gloves, as well a new backpack with school supplies and personal care items. This year, with major support from several corporate sponsors such as ShopRite, 650 children were able to shop at the store with the aid of 375 volunteers.
Neil Greenstein, the owner of ShopRite of Brookdale in Bloomfield and the soon-to-be-opened ShopRite of Newark on Springfield Ave., partnered with NCJW/Essex to stock the store with the donation of undergarments and socks. Paula Piekes, Human Services Supervisor from the Township of Bloomfield Human Services, registered 90 children for the Back 2 School Store and was extremely appreciative of the efforts of Mr. Greenstein on behalf of ShopRite. “Neil is extremely generous and always so dedicated to helping our Bloomfield residents, especially when it comes to children,” said Ms. Piekes. “The Back 2 School Store is so wonderful because it makes children eager to go back to school and learn. So many of our kids have such a difficult experience returning to school as they don’t have the clothing and essentials, like undergarments or school supplies. It really puts them at a disadvantage with the other children. On behalf of the Township of Bloomfield, I would like to take the opportunity to thank NCJW and its corporate sponsors. You really move education ten steps forward.”
ShopRite of Brookdale and the upcoming ShopRite of Newark on Springfield Ave., projected to improve the area tremendously and provide new job opportunities, is extremely supportive of the Back 2 School Store. According to NCJW/Essex President Deborah Legow Schatz, “Because of the generous efforts of all of our donors, we are able to continue one of our favorite events of the year. The Back 2 School Store makes a huge impact on the well being of children and families throughout Essex County.”
B2SS Photo 1: Personal Shopper Mel Jacobs of Livingston (left) and James R. Gonzalez, President and CEO of University Hospital, help a child pick out a package of socks in the right size at the 6th Annual NCJW/Essex Back 2 School Store. ShopRite of Brookdale in Bloomfield donated all of the undergarments and socks to this year’s event.
B2SS Photo 2: NCJW/Essex Volunteer Nina Goldman (left) was in charge of undergarments and socks for the 6th Annual Back 2 School Store. Along with personal shopper Phyllis Jacobs, she helps a young child pick out a 6-pack of girls socks, donated by ShopRite of Brookdale in Bloomfield.