By Robin Cohn
Let’s see. I’ve learned I don’t have any fashion sense thanks to an 8-year-old. Sneakers are SNEAKERS!!! And who would have guessed that backpacks require a million stickers?
This wisdom and more comes from being a volunteer for the National Council of Jewish Women New York’s (NCJWNY) Back 2 School program for underserved children.
The NCJWNY’s four-story headquarters at 241 West 72nd Street, between West End and Broadway, is transformed each year into a pop-up department store. Selected by social service organizations, 300 to 350 children will come through the doors from August 2nd through the 5th. The kids range in age from kindergarten to fifth grade.
Children receive a new outfit, winter coat, sneakers, hats and gloves, scarves, socks, books, water bottles, and a backpack filled with school supplies.
All brand new and free. And kids have the final say on whatever they choose.
What the program does need is adult volunteers to help with the free shopping.
Don’t worry, new volunteers — no experience needed. There’s an excellent orientation. Aviva Zadoff, director of advocacy & volunteer services, talks in depth about different jobs. She also provides invaluable advice on breaking the ice with the kids and developing relationships. Her sample scenarios come in handy. She also stresses NCJWNY staff are on the floors ready to help.
Each child is paired with a volunteer “private shopper” who guides them through the different floors, providing advice and assistance. You’ll often see kids hugging and holding hands with their new best-buds. You hear shoppers say, “This doesn’t fit. No problem, I’ll find another size.” Or ‘You want the orange, red and slime green shirt? Great choice.” No private shopper judgement here.
At first, it’s a bit daunting for both volunteers and kids. Then, after about five minutes of quiet, the volume explodes. Giddy children. Little and big feet going up and down stairs. Chirping voices talking a mile a minute. Laughter. Ecstatic cries.
Not only do we volunteers bond with the kids, but we also bond with each other. Everything becomes a group effort. Shoppers sit outside the dressing rooms waiting to see their charges. When the curtains open, the rest of us chime in, cheering and clapping. We beam like proud parents.
Speaking of parents, some kids hang back at first, quietly whispering their parents can’t afford to buy anything. You should see their eyes when they learn everything is free. In fact, you often have to repeat the word “free” to some disbelieving kids.
During the goodbyes, there’s lots of hugging, kissing and fond farewells. So much joy. Lots of jumping up and down. (The kids, not the volunteers.) Volunteers are exhausted. But smiling.
Then, like an enchanted island floating away in the mist, the store disappears till next year. The Upper West Side building goes back to being a haven for social services. And you have the memory of an extraordinary day.
To volunteer, please sign up — HERE.
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Lovely!
Robin, what a delightful writer you are! And how great to know about a worthy organization bringing joy to so many kids. Here’s to the volunteers making this happen!