National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan’s 13th Annual Back 2 School Store Returns to Fully In-Person Shopping Experience for 700 Detroit Children in Need

Photo courtesy of National Council of Jewish Women of Michigan

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a hybrid shopping model was offered: last year 300 children shopped in person, while 600 were provided with clothing and supplies via social service agencies.

 What: 

The National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan (NCJW|MI), a social advocacy and grassroots volunteer organization operating in metro Detroit for 135 years, is organizing its 13^th annual Back 2 School Store for 700 pre-registered low-income Detroit children. Children in kindergarten through 5^th grade will be paired with a volunteer personal shopper who will assist them to shop for correctly sized winter coats, hats, mittens, long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, underwear, socks, pants or leggings, school supplies, toothbrush and toothpaste. Each child also gets to select two new reading books. This event marks the first time since COVID-19, that all children will be able to enjoy the experience of in-person shopping, rather than a hybrid model where some children were provided with clothing and school supplies through social service agencies in Detroit. The pivot to a hybrid model was for health and safety reasons. “We are so happy to be fully back in person this year as we want children to be able to choose the new clothing they want. Many struggling families may not be able to provide that opportunity to their children very often and we see how special the children feel on that day,” said Back 2 School Store Co-Chair Sandi Matz. In addition, this year 70 children identified and pre-registered by social service agencies as needing an eye examination will be checked by ophthalmologist Dr. Anne Toal and given a voucher for eyeglasses; during a previous year when this service was provided a child was found to have an eye disease that required treatment. I

When:

 Sunday August 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Why: 

NCJW|MI is organizing the pop-up store for Detroit children who have been identified by 19 partner social service agencies as needing a helping hand. Approximately $180 provides clothing and school supplies for a child. Generous supporters include Arlene & Eric Oppenheim Books and Blankets Fund, Bombas Socks, Bookstock, Charity Challenge Donors, College Hunks Moving, Farber Family Foundation, Making Spirits Bright, Mittens for Detroit, National Storage Unit, The Ravitz Foundation, University of Michigan Dental School, Village Club Foundation, Winning Imprints & Custom Trophies and individual donors and supporters. For more information go to www.ncjwmi.org

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.