NYC Kids Get Free Back-to-School Supplies and Big Smiles

An 8-year-old fashion critic will tell you everything you need to know about sneakers. She'll also inform you that backpacks absolutely require a million stickers, and your style choices need work.

These are the delightful lessons volunteers learn at the National Council of Jewish Women New York's Back 2 School program, where underserved children become VIP shoppers for a day.

Each August, the organization's Upper West Side headquarters at 241 West 72nd Street transforms into a four-story pop-up department store. From August 2nd through 5th, 300 to 350 children in kindergarten through fifth grade walk through the doors, selected by social service agencies across the city.

Every child gets paired with their own volunteer "personal shopper" who guides them through the floors. Together they select complete outfits, winter coats, sneakers, hats, gloves, scarves, books, water bottles, and backpacks stuffed with school supplies. Everything is brand new, and everything is free.

The first few minutes start quietly as kids and volunteers size each other up. Then the building erupts with laughter, excited chatter, and little feet racing up and down stairs.

Kids emerge from dressing rooms to applause from waiting volunteers who cheer like proud parents. When children pick the orange, red, and slime green shirt, their shoppers enthusiastically approve. No judgment, just support.

Some children hang back initially, whispering that their parents can't afford to buy anything. Volunteers often have to repeat the word "free" multiple times before the disbelief melts into pure joy.

Sunny's Take

Volunteer Robin Cohn describes watching kids' eyes light up when they realize everything really is free. Children hug and hold hands with their new "best buds," forming bonds in minutes that feel like lifelong friendships.

The volunteers don't just connect with the kids. They bond with each other too, sitting outside dressing rooms and cheering together when the curtain opens. By day's end, everyone is exhausted but beaming.

After the four-day event ends, the building returns to its regular work as a social services hub. The pop-up store vanishes like magic, leaving volunteers with memories of extraordinary days and children with everything they need to start school ready.

NCJWNY welcomes new volunteers with no experience necessary, providing thorough orientation and on-floor support throughout the event.