The Back 2 School Store encompasses everything NCJW/Essex stands for: active volunteers who get things done, giving back to the most vulnerable in our community and pulling off a massive project flawlessly.  The 2025 Back 2 School Store is set to once again deliver smiles, hugs, and much-needed gear to help empower children to learn.

Every year, children leave the Back 2 School Store with a new outfit, a warm winter coat, hats and gloves, scarves, underwear, socks, personal care items, books and a backpack filled with school supplies.

THANK YOU to you and your team for all of your hard work and determination. The amount of work that it takes to create such a wonderful experience for these children and families does not go unnoticed. I do hope that you realize the great IMPACT that the B2SS initiative has on helping these children with their self-esteem, independence, confidence and letting them see firsthand the power of partnership and community.
Kendra Orta
Programs for Parents

Support the B2SS

The Back 2 School Store welcomes donations throughout the year from individuals, families and others to fund the items each child takes home to get ready for school.

Make a Gift Today

The Back 2 School Store is our biggest volunteer event of the year with hundreds of people involved in shopping, logistics, and helping children at the Store, led by the B2SS Steering Committee.

After picking their jackets, two of my children refused to take them off! The smiles and the excitement were heartwarming and I can’t wait to work on this committee and do more for next year!!!
Without a doubt… one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.
Lori Kaufman
Volunteer

Volunteer

Get involved. Sign-ups for day-of volunteer opportunities begin in the spring. Contact the NCJW/Essex Office at 973-740-0588 to learn more.

I'd like more information on volunteer opportunities.

You can make a difference at the 2025 Back 2 School Store

Sponsor

Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available for the Back 2 School Store. Contact Alison Haight, Director of Development, for more information.

Thank you to our wonderful 2025 B2SS Sponsors.
Click here to request more information on sponsorships.
Download sponsorship overview.

Meet the Back 2 School Store Steering Committee

Sherri Fendelman and Paula Green, 2025 Co-Chairs

Monika Bartlett

Michelle Katz Beck

Janet Berger

Melissa Berger

Jordyn Blackburn

Susie Botwinick

Elizabeth Brandwein Cohen 

Angela Cohen

Leslie Dorman

Marci Echeverria

Deborah Eckstein

Lauren Tabak Fass

Robin Feldman

Marisa Fishman

Miriam Frolow

Lori Gelman

Stacey Gold

Tara Heyderman

Geri Ismail

Phyllis Jacobs

Jill Sorkin Johnson

Sandy Katz

Debbie Kirchen

Rachel Khedouri

Danielle Kurlander 

Rachel Meisel 

Karen Mendez

Andrea Rakitta Mintz

Debra Nevas

Bess Oransky

Jennie Goldsmith Rothman

Veronica Ross

Stacey Rudbart

Michelle Sachs

Lisa Santola

Deborah Legow Schatz

Laurie Schuftan

Judy Wais Tabak 

Debi Wilson

Jennifer Zeligson 

NCJW/Essex 

Andrea Rakitta Mintz

President

Jennie Goldsmith Rothman

Immediate Past President

Caitlin Higgins Joy

Executive Director

Make a Gift Today
Click Here to Read about the 2025 Back 2 School Store