Back to school store helping over 2,000 kids

ST. ANN, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Thousands of children received school supplies and clothing Sunday through an annual back-to-school event hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women.

More than 2,000 children received new backpacks, winter coats, shoes, socks, hats, gloves and a book of their choice. More than 500 volunteers helped staff the event.

Organizers said the event is funded through individual child sponsorships and donations. More than $200,000 was raised this year to cover the cost of supplies. Sponsoring one child through the organization costs $180.

Cindy Frank, vice president of community impact for NCJW St. Louis, said the event’s impact has grown over time.

“You see smiles on 2,000 kids’ faces. And some of them say last year, this is the best day of my life. It’s all about helping other people that we can make happy and make secure and make confident as they start their school journey to become leaders in the community that one day we’ll hope they’ll be able to succeed and give back in the way that we are,” Frank said.

This is the 26th year of the Back-to-School Store event.