b'ANJC Helps 850 New Jersey Kids Get Back to SchoolThe ANJCs first backpack and school supply drive for Jersey Cares was a huge success!We collected nearly 850 backpacks and multiple carloads of other school supplies for under-resourced children in New Jersey. Jersey Cares reported that thanks in part to our efforts and sponsorship, they exceeded their goal of 3,700 fully packed book bags and are able to assist all of the agencies on their waiting list this year!Our top collector was Dr. Michael Sefcik of Blairstown, with 163 backpacks and several boxes of supplies.He wins a 2022 ANJC membership!In a close second place was ANJC Vice President Dr. Vic Rossi, with 152 backpacks, for a free ticket to the Atlantic super summitnext May.The collection culminated with a packing party at Jersey Cares in Livingston, where six doctors, three offspring and two HQ staffers packed 50 backpacks and made cards and bookmarks for recipients as well. Participating were ANJC PR Chairman Andreas Skounakis, who spearheaded the backpack initiative, his daughter, Maia, President Jordan Kovacs, board members Steve Clarke, David Graber and his daughter, Rebecca, and Dan Grossman, as well as Dr. Denise Cerullo, ANJC Executive Director Amy Boright Porchetta and son, Jude, and Director of Communications Jane Martinez.Not only do these supplies help set children up to succeed, but they also help reduce the out-of-pocket costs for teachers to supply their students with needed items in the classroom. Additionally, each backpack included an ANJC backpack safety infographic to help prevent back and neck strain and pointing caregivers to our public website and Find-a-Doctor feature.Jersey Cares works with dozens of schools, childrens shelters, and community centers with the goal that no children in New Jersey will have to experience a first day of school without these basic necessities.The ANJC plans to make the backpack collection an annual community service event. 16 I Fall 2021 www.anjc.info'