Getting children ready for school

Kids get to shop for clothing and supplies at NCJW’s annual event

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While the thought of going back to school may haunt the minds and hearts of young individuals during the summer months, there is some good that can come from this time of year.

The annual Back 2 School Store, sponsored by the Peninsula and South Shore sections of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), is taking place on Sunday, July 31 in Lynbrook. The event is closed to the public as the participants are selected ahead of time. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade “shop” for clothing, school supplies and other essential items at no cost to their families.

Accompanied by trained, volunteer personal shoppers, the kids pick out a new outfit that consists of a shirt, pants, winter jacket and sneakers, in addition to underwear, socks, a hat and gloves. Kids will also select a new backpack, books, school supplies and personal care items with the total value equaling $180.

Pnina Knopf, publicity chairwoman for the Back 2 School Store from the NCJW Peninsula section, said that in its fourth year, the event provides supplies to more than 600 children. These children come from “everywhere from Elmont to Amityville and in between,” she said, and must meet certain criteria to participate in the Back 2 School Store.

For the first time this year, the Back 2 School Store will open for an hour on Friday, July 29, for the Roosevelt-based Children’s Learning Center, Knopf said. Approximately 20 children affected by cerebral palsy will have the opportunity to shop.

Knopf, who has been involved with the NCJW for 12 years, said the organization is able to support as many children as they do with the help of hundreds of donors. Some places give donations of items and others give money.

“The Community Chest board of directors appreciates the efforts of the NCJW and the concept of the Back 2 School Store. We feel it is a program that goes hand in hand with our mission of Neighbors Helping Neighbors and we support the event with a $1,000 grant. A number of our board members have volunteered at the event in the past and I always attend to lend a hand and offer our best wishes,” Bob Block, executive director of Five Towns Community Chest, said.

As children peruse with their personal shoppers, parents and guardians can visit the Family Resource Center where they will find 15 to 20 tables with representatives from multiple agencies that provide health and nutrition information, as well as community and social services resources.

“The main idea of the Back 2 School store is to empower the children, to increase their self-esteem and let them make choices that they want that they might not otherwise get,” Knopf said.