An annual back-to-school store for underserved families in St. Louis will hold a socially distant distribution event this weekend to provide more than 2,000 students with backpacks, supplies and other essentials.
The National Council of Jewish Women in St. Louis (NCJWSTL) is bringing together 100 volunteers to deliver pre-filled backpacks on Sunday, July 19, as part of its Back to School! store. This year, instead of having an in-person event with students and their families, distribution will be socially distanced to provide contactless delivery of the backpacks.
The backpacks will be handed out to 65 partner agencies via a drive-through line from 9:45 a.m. to noon at the College Hunks Campus on North Warson Road.
The backpacks, which will be distributed by the partner agencies to their clients and members, are loaded with school supplies, personal care items and activities to help keep children engaged. Additional clothing items – winter coats, shoes, and apparel – will be distributed throughout the year as further safe distribution methods are identified and deployed.
The need for children to have school supplies and clothing has never been greater, as parents may have to prioritize food and other necessities during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving few or no funds for back-to-school essentials.
“We remain deeply concerned about the challenges that families in our community are facing,” said Ellen Alper, CEO of NCJWSTL. “We know from experience with the Back to School! Store that lives are positively changed. School social workers report reduced absenteeism and increased attendance when students feel confident about themselves and are equipped with the materials needed to be successful in school.”
The community is also encouraged to support the Back to School! store by making a donation or sponsoring a child for the July 19 event. The Back to School! store has served more than 20,000 local students and families since its inception by the National Council of Jewish Women in St. Louis 20 years ago. The NCJWSTL is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. For more information or to donate, visit NCJWSTL.org.
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