Hundreds of Phillipsburg students gathered at the Firth Youth Center for its “Hooray! It’s Back to School Day” sponsored by McWane Ductile New Jersey (MDJ). The annual event invited students of all ages to celebrate the start of a new school year and receive free school supplies, haircuts and braiding, and learn more about other community resources.

With donations from several school drives around the city, the youth center distributed 417 jam-packed bookbags to attendees! In addition to the school supplies, 139 students were able to have their hair cut or styled by volunteer stylists. Community partners included, Traditions Family Success Center, B&J’s ChopShop, Shear Inspirations, Lifestyle Barber Academy, ShopRite and many more.

“The expenses related to run an event of this magnitude are high, so having their support truly helps sustain this much-needed community event for years to come,” a representative from the Firth Youth Center said.

The celebration capped off a busy summer spent collaborating with local partners to make an impact, highlighting some of the facility’s longest running community initiatives.

The team continued their efforts to reduce food insecurity locally by co-hosting a food drive with the River of Life Food Pantry and media partner TAPintoPhillipsburg. Together they collected and distributed 500 lbs. of vital food resources to members of the community.

Additionally, MDJ visited and met with leaders of the Phillipsburg Senior Center, which feeds approximately 80 seniors daily, including home bound Phillipsburg residents. It also organizes group activities, provides meeting spaces, and offers free computer and internet access with free transportation for all who need it.