This is Federation
And they came early!
For the fifth year in a row, Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey organized Supplies for Success, an event where volunteers pack and then distribute backpacks loaded with brand-new school supplies and some winter gear to 1,500 elementary school students in 15 schools across Bergen County.
Since I’ve only been with Jewish Federation for a few months, this was my first Supplies for Success — and I was impressed.
Looking around the room I saw young and old, Orthodox and unaffiliated, Englewood Cliffs and Wayne, rabbis and congregants, all coming together to accomplish one common goal — making sure ALL kids have the opportunity to start their school year the right way. It was a true slice of the Bergen County Jewish community. And of course, this doesn’t happen by accident.
Federation is one of a handful of places where the community can come together to make things like this happen. Over the course of two days, hundreds of volunteers gave their time and their resources to help meet the needs of the broader community. It was one of those proud moments when you clearly see the Jewish community sharing its light with the world. Building bridges between communities, teaching children the value of tzedakah, sensitizing families to the needs of those around us … this is Federation. Channeling the voice and values of the Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson counties’ Jewish community … this is Federation. Whether for our neighbors, ourselves, or Jewish communities in Israel and around the world, Federation is there to meet needs and demonstrate just how much we can accomplish together. That’s the power of community. This is Federation.
Kenny Wagner
Chief Development Officer
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey
Paramus
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