DETROIT – The National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan, is helping ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping for hundreds of Detroit families through its Back 2 School Store initiative, providing essential items at no cost to students.
Nearly 300 low-income Detroit children received free clothing, school supplies and books at the organization’s pop-up store hosted at Cesar Chavez Academy Upper Elementary School.
The program comes as families face increasing back-to-school costs, with the average household expected to spend close to $900 per student this year.
Each student receives approximately $180 worth of items, including new clothing, winter gear, school supplies and personal hygiene products.
Volunteer “personal shoppers” assist students in selecting properly sized items and preferred styles.
“The need is there, and it really is tremendous help,” said Sandy Matz from the National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan. “To think about them at the beginning of the school year, it is so helpful to know they have this start.”
For fifth-grader Romina Martinez Vazquez, the program provides more than just material items. While shopping with her volunteer guide, she recognized the significant help this brings to her family, particularly her mother.
The emotional impact of the initiative was evident as parents shed tears of gratitude, highlighting the profound effect of this community support system.
The National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan, plans to extend its reach even further. On Wednesday, approximately 600 additional children will receive similar assistance through various social service agencies.
The organization funds these efforts through a combination of fundraising initiatives, corporate donations and charitable grants to ensure students can start the school year prepared and confident.