As students across New Jersey head back to school, more than 500 young people in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey programs started the year with a new backpack, essential school supplies, and the kind of confidence that comes from knowing that a mentor (and a whole community!) believes in them.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this year’s Back-to-School Drive provided fully stocked backpacks to Littles across all 10 counties we serve, helping ensure they were prepared for a successful first day and a strong year ahead.

This impact was made possible through the support of nine dedicated corporate partners: KPMG, AT&T, UBS, Hikma, General Plumbing Supply, Manasquan Bank, TD Bank, TDK Lambda Americas Inc., and Partners in Charity. Together, they helped collect and assemble hundreds of backpacks filled with the supplies students need to learn, grow, and thrive.

The celebration extended beyond the backpacks themselves. A special back-to-school lunch hosted at Macy’s at Garden State Plaza brought together Bigs and Littles for an afternoon of fun, connection, and excitement as they prepared for the year ahead.

While backpacks and school supplies are essential tools for success, they also send an important message: you are supported, you are valued, and your future matters. Every donation helped make that message a reality for a young person in our community.

To our corporate partners, donors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to this year’s drive – THANK YOU! Your generosity helped hundreds of young people begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to reach their full potential.

Together, we’re helping local youth start the school year with everything they need to succeed, including the support of a caring community behind them.