Edited by: TJVNews.com

The usual back-to-school jitters were replaced with pure excitement at the Jewish Foundation School. Instead of just facing a new classroom, students were greeted by a massive celebration, complete with brand-new backpacks, high-fives from local heroes, and an overwhelming sense of community support.

The event, a powerhouse collaboration between the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) and the nonprofit Making a Change with Kindness (MACK), was designed to do more than just hand out supplies; it was about arming kids with the confidence they need to conquer the academic year.

A Boost for Families and Community Bonds

For many parents, the start of the school year comes with financial stress. This giveaway aimed to lift that weight, providing backpacks stuffed with all the essentials.

“On behalf of all the parents, I want to express our deepest gratitude,” said Iva Reuven, the school’s PTA President. She explained that the initiative doesn’t just ease a financial burden, but more importantly, it “strengthens the bonds within our community.”

That powerful message wasn’t lost on the students. Rabbi Yosef Gershbaum, the school’s Principal, called the celebration “an incredible display of generosity and support.” He praised COJO, MACK, and especially COJO President Mendy Mirocznik for coordinating the project, noting that it sends a clear signal to every child: “your community believes in you.”

The Powerhouse Team Behind the Smiles

An event of this scale doesn’t happen without a coalition of dedicated partners. Organizers gave special recognition to philanthropist Joe Rayski, whom Mirocznik called “the driving force behind this great project.”

“His unwavering commitment to supporting children and education is truly remarkable, and he is a blessing for Staten Island,” Mirocznik added.

Major support also poured in from a team of community-focused sponsors, including:

Amazon

Anthem BluCross BlueShield (represented by Gary Tai and Carina Vizhnay)

The Health Education Project (represented by Jenny Palaguachi)

A Day with New York’s Finest and Bravest

Adding to the festival atmosphere, members of the NYPD and FDNY were on-site, letting kids get an up-close look at their police cars and fire equipment. It was a chance for students to connect with the city’s heroes in a fun, positive setting.

“Community engagement is at the heart of what we do, and organizations like COJO are vital partners in improving community trust and collaboration,” said Chief Melissa Eger, Staten Island Police Commander. “Events like this, spearheaded by COJO and MACK, are instrumental in building confidence among our youth and fostering a safer borough for everyone.”

Chief David S. Simms, Staten Island Fire Commander, echoed the sentiment. “I couldn’t agree more. A great school year is a safe school year, and that safety is built on a foundation of strong community partnerships. We look forward to further strengthening these important community initiatives and projects.”

A Mission Fueled by Kindness

For the organizers, the day was a perfect reflection of their core missions.

“Kindness is the driving force behind MACK,” explained Annesa Ali, who serves as both the COJO Chief of Staff and the Founder of MACK. “To invest in a child’s education is one of the greatest acts of kindness we can perform.”

Mirocznik summed it up as a testament to teamwork. “This back-to-school drive is a perfect illustration of our mission in action. Together, we are building a stronger Staten Island.”

As the students headed home with their new gear, the day’s most important lesson was clear: their community has their back, today and all year long.