Community can help NCJW win big – now through Oct. 9

The National Council of Jewish Women – St. Louis Section (NCJW) has been selected as the only finalist from Missouri in the Tom’s of Maine “50 States for Good” program and now has a chance to win up to $50,000 in support of Back to School Store, a community project that will provide children in need with the tools to return to school on the first day and stay in school all year long. Through a public vote at www.Facebook.com/TomsofMaine through Oct. 9, local residents can help bring the funding to St. Louis with the simple click of a mouse.

The “50 States for Good” program seeks to uncover local nonprofit groups that address urgent community needs and engage volunteers to get the work done. NCJW’s Back-to-School! Store brings together more than 500 community volunteers to help children select new clothing and school supplies before the first day of school. The program then continues to provide new clothing items to children throughout the school year.

“Winning $50,000 from Tom’s of Maine will allow NCJW to expand the reach of our program and impact thousands more children and families in Missouri,” stated Marlene Hammerman, NCJW Board President.

An independent panel of judges selected nonprofits from each state, however, public vote will choose the six winning organizations to share $150,000 in funding. The organization with the most public support will receive $50,000 in sponsorship funding, while five additional organizations each will receive $20,000.

Individuals wishing to VOTE FOR NCJW, should log on to their personal Facebook pages, go to the www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine and vote for NCJW and the Back-to-School! Store.