Jewish organizations in South Florida are helping children go back to school for the 2021-22 academic year with supply drives.
Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options in Sunrise intends to provide 800 local children with the school supplies they need, including backpacks, pencils, pens, paper and more.
JAFCO provides services to abused and neglected children as well as those with developmental disabilities in South Florida.
Jensen Holroyd, development associate for the organization, said regarding the back to school supply drive, “It’s really important for us because education is so valued at JAFCO.”
“Our kids, especially the ones who live with us, are not able to get all the supplies and everything that they need, so we just like to prepare them as best as possible, and that means the world to us,” Holroyd continued. “Education means the world to us here at JAFCO.”
Holroyd said although JAFCO is a Jewish organization, it serves the entire community.
“We’re not only serving Jewish children and Jewish families,” she said. “We serve everyone and anyone. However, we consider the Jewish value of tikkun olam [repair the world] as one of our values.”
The list of supplies needed can be viewed at jafco.org. Supplies must be sent by Aug. 6. There is also an Amazon wishlist.
Call JAFCO development assistant Lauren Varona at 954-368-1868 or lauren@jafco.org for more information.
Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County is also conducting its Back-to-School Supply Drive.
The RAK PAK clothing pantry of Goodman JFS has a goal of distributing backpacks to 350 of the agency’s clients with students in elementary, middle, and high school. The agency has been conducting the drive for two years.
Ivy Feinstein, RAK PAK co-founder, explained what prompted the drive.
“We believe that when kids have the tools they need to do their work, they thrive,” Feinstein said. “We were inspired to start this project as a way to give children in our community the very best opportunity to achieve academic success while beginning the new school year with dignity.”
Amy Stolberg, a co-founder for the clothing pantry, said regarding the goal for the drive, “We want to ensure students start their new year of learning with excitement and confidence.”
Ellen Sredni, co-founder for the pantry, said “Our Back-to-School Supply Drive exemplifies Jewish values such as respect, responsibility and kindness.”
“We are grateful to be supported by a community who exemplify those same Jewish values,” Sredni continued.
The drive is ongoing through Aug. 8. Distribution is currently taking place by appointment.
Visit jfsbroward.org or facebook.com/jfsbrowardcounty, or call 954-370-2140 for more information.
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