Volunteers Needed to "Even Playing Field" for Struggling Students

The UJA-Federation of New York and numerous Five Towns temples and schools are seeking volunteers to sort through donations to assemble backpacks for children from families that are struggling or were affected by Superstorm Sandy.

UJA-Federation of New York’s 12th annual Tov B’Yachad Supplies for Success needs help on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at the Yeshiva of South Shore, located at 1170 William St. in Hewlett.

"The UJA-Federation of New York Jewish Community Study Special Report on Poverty reported the growing incidence of poverty and near poverty in our community,” said Leslie Lichte of UJA. “Supplies for Success helps these families in need and allows all of our children to enter the new school year on an even playing field with their classmates, ready to learn and succeed."

Last year, the Supplies for Success program, which started in 2002, provided filled backpacks to more than 3,800 disadvantaged children through UJA-Federation beneficiary agencies, schools, and other local organizations. The community is encouraged to bring additional school supplies or filled backpack donations and to come participate in the packing and assembling.

“One thing that is special and exciting about the Tov B’ Yachad Supplies for Success is that it allows all the different ages to have a hands on experience of giving to a meaningful cause,” said Rebbetzin Lisa Septimus, of the Young Israel of North Woodmere.

Participating temples and schools include Young Israel of Hewlett, Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park, Anshei Chesed, Young Israel of North Woodmere, Bais Knesset of North Woodmere, Congregation Beth Sholom, Young Israel of Oceanside, Congregation Bais Tefilah of Woodmere, Young Israel of West Hempstead, Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, Irving Place Minyan, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, Rambam Mesivta, Congregation Kneseth Israel and National Conference of Synagogue Youth.