Back 2 School store operated by the National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan, to Help 600 Detroit Children Start the School Year Right

Pop-up store on Sunday August 12, 2018, with 300 plus volunteers working as personal shoppers for the children; additional funding needed!

Southfield (July 30, 2018) – A Detroit elementary school will host a pop-up store on Sunday, August 12, funded by the National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan (NCJW|MI), a social advocacy and grassroots volunteer organization which has been operating in metro Detroit for 127 years. More than 600 low-income Detroit children, who have been identified by 17 social service agencies, will be able to shop at Back 2 School for winter coats, clothing, shoes, personal items, school supplies, backpacks and books. Each child will be teamed with one of 300 plus NCJW|MI volunteers who will act as a personal shopper, ensuring they get the correct size clothing items and age-appropriate school supplies. In addition, parents and guardians will be able to visit the Family Center where United Way 211 and Legal Aid will offer their services. A Health Fair sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC will also offer medical screenings and health information.

“Our motivation for setting up this Back 2 School store is seeing the joy on these children’s faces as they realize that they will have all the necessary clothing and supplies to start their school year successfully,” explained Sandi Matz, co-president of NCJW|MI.

Approximately $180 provides clothing and school supplies for each child. Some of this money comes from NCJW|MI fundraising efforts and some from corporate donors and charitable grants. More money is always needed however, and NCJW|MI is inviting the community to sponsor a child, with any donation amount welcome. To donate or volunteer for the event go to www.ncjwmi.org

“We all know how brutal Michigan winters can be, and we have to make sure that none of our children wait at bus stops without warm coats, mittens and hats,” added Matz. “This is a costly project but one which is vital for a large number of Detroit area children.”

About the National Council of Jewish Women of Michigan

Founded in 1891 and inspired by Jewish values, National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan has maintained a progressive stance on issues at the local, state and national levels. It is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates committed to social justice and a call for action, ‘Powerful Voices. Progressive Change’. The mission of supporters is to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.