United Way of Essex and West Hudson and Stop Shootin Inc., IReform, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and EverBank Financial Partner and Distribute Back Packs and School Uniforms
United Way of Essex and West Hudson, StopShootin Inc, IReform, Big Brothers and Big Sisters Newark and EverBank Financial collaborated and pooled resources to distribute over 4,000 back packs, filled with school supplies and 500 school uniforms on September 8. The “Back to School Extravaganza” took place at the United Way of Essex and West Hudson facility in Newark, New Jersey. Area organizations in attendance offered information on tutoring, health testing, community resources, and more. A local hair stylist was also in attendance to offer free haircuts for students and a local salon staff provided free nail polish services.
“Thousands of children in Newark begin each school year without the necessary supplies, clothes and shoes to help them achieve academic success. But this year, together as a community, we were able to make a big difference.” commented Yusef Ismail, Executive Director of Stop Shootin’ Inc. ”This event is not only about providing families with much needed assistance in these tough times; it is also about raising awareness of the urgent need to keep our schools and communities free from violence”, added Ismail.
This is the second year that this event has taken place on the grounds of the United Way. According to Keith Green, President and CEO of United Way of Essex and West Hudson, “We were honored to be apart of this joint effort of community and business partners to provide students with the supplies they need to start the school year off right. We hope to continue to host this event next year – offering more back packs, school supplies and uniforms to more children.”
For more information about this back to school event, please contact Catherine Wilson by phone at 973-854-2249 or email cwilson@uwewh.org.
About The United Way of Essex and West Hudson
Founded in 1923, the United Way of Essex and West Hudson is a non-profit organization that seeks to address the root causes of community concerns by aligning resources to best meet the needs of individuals, children and families through its service area annually. We serve a population of nearly 700,000 in thirteen communities in Essex and Hudson County. For more information about or how to get involved, visit our website www.unitedwayessex.org
Media Contact
Catherine Wilson
Director, Community Impact
United Way of Essex and West Hudson
Phone: 973-854-2249
cwilson@uwewh.org
