DETROIT (WXYZ) — More than 740 children from low-income families can shop for clothing and school supplies at the National Council of Jewish Women's annual pop-up Back 2 School store.
This is the sixth year of the event. Each child, who has been identified by local social service agencies, will be provided with a personal shopper to choose shirts, pants, a winter jacket, hat, gloves, underwear, socks, shoes as well as a backpack filled with school supplies, personal care items and a new book.
Additionally, children with potential eye problems will also receive free eye exams on site.
“More than 300 volunteers will be working to make sure the children have a wonderful experience selecting the items they want to keep them warm and successful at school,” said Jennifer LoPatin, President of NCJW|MI. “We are proud to offer vision screening this year, which was prompted by the observation of one of our volunteers, ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Dunn, when he noticed he rarely saw children wearing glasses at the annual store, when on average, 20 percent of children would be expected to have them.”
While the children are shopping, parents and guardians will be invited to visit the Family Center, where Legal Aid will offer services. Also, a Health Fair sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC will include health professionals from HUDA Clinic and Henry Ford Health System offering medical screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI checks. In addition, an endocrinologist will be offering a talk on pre-diabetes and weight loss and two dentists will be on hand to provide dental advice.
The event will be held at a Detroit elementary school on Aug. 18. For more information, click here.
