University Hospital, Rutgers Take Part in Charitable 'Back to School Store'

Some 575 elementary students from low-income Essex County households picked out full sets of clothing, backpacks and supplies at the recent free “Back 2 School Store” set up in a West Orange synagogue’s gymnasium.  Their parents enjoyed free health screenings, education and information about health and child well being from University Hospital and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences in Newark.

Held at B’nai Shalom for the fifth consecutive year, the event was sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women’s Essex Section (NCJW/Essex).  About 360 volunteers served the children, including personal shopping aides and others from all over the county.

“Watching the looks of pure joy and excitement on the children’s faces truly put everything into perspective for me,” said Karen Cherins, president of NCJW/Essex. “Many of these youngsters have never had anything to wear but hand-me-downs, and this year they can proudly sport their own new clothes and supplies as they go back to school fully equipped to learn.”

“They got enough supplies for the whole year,” said Elizabeth “Yaya” Castillo, a grandmother among some 20 Newarkers from Ironbound Community Corp. (ICC).  Castillo, a community leader who volunteers and works with various ICC initiatives, brought two grandsons, some ICC members and their children.