Every August since 2015, the National Council of Jewish Women of NY, an UWS-based service and advocacy organization founded in 1893, has transformed its building at 241 West 72nd Street (Broadway and WEA) into a “Back 2 School Store” where children can choose a brand-new outfit — shirt, pants, parka, sneakers, underwear, socks, and shoes — as well as receive a backpack to fill with school supplies, all for free! Every child is assigned a volunteer personal shopper who helps them navigate the racks and racks of clothing and supplies.

Last year, COVID-19 caused the cancellation of in-person shopping at the Back 2 School Store, but this year, it is back in a hybrid form. Families can choose to receive pre-filled backpacks, or come to the Store for an in-person shopping experience spread out over four days: Sunday, August 1 at 8 AM to Wednesday, August 4 at 5 PM.

While the children shop, parents can explore a Resource Center, where representatives from public and private agencies will be on hand to inform them about resources available in the community to support their family’s health, learning, and growth.

All participating children meet specific eligibility criteria and have been pre-registered for participation in the Back 2 School Store through NCJW NY’s community-based agency partners.

To get a good sense of how NCJW NY’s Back 2 School Store works, watch the video below. If you would like to donate to this cause, click here.