ABOUT KEARNY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNIFORM EXCHANGE
Turning Interest into Action
About Us
Welcome to KNJ PS Uniform Exchange, a beacon of support and community empowerment based in Kearny, NJ. Established in 2022 by a devoted mother of three during a personal health crisis, our mission has always been clear: ensure that every child in our community has the essential uniforms and educational resources they need to succeed.
At the heart of Kearny, where the need for educational support is ever-growing, KNJ PS Uniform Exchange has become a vital lifeline. Our founder, grappling with the challenge of affording new uniforms for her children, recognized this need within the entire community and took decisive action. This personal challenge sparked the birth of our organization, which has rapidly grown into a cornerstone of hope and assistance for families facing similar struggles.
In just our first year, we touched the lives of over 600 children by providing them with the necessary uniforms to attend school with confidence. Additionally, we distributed 37 backpacks filled with school supplies at no cost, ensuring our students were not only dressed for success but also well-equipped.
2023 saw our efforts expand significantly. We reached over 900 children with uniforms and increased our distribution of free backpacks to 332, packed with supplies to support educational endeavors. In a landmark contribution to our local schools, we also provided 300 Chromebook earbuds to the Kearny, NJ Board of Education, aiding in the enhancement of digital learning experiences.
As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we pledge to continue our commitment to the children of Kearny by removing barriers to education and fostering an environment where every child can thrive academically. Your support can help us extend our reach and deepen our impact. Join us in this crucial mission to transform lives and build a brighter future for our children.
Support Our Annual Raffle: A Catalyst for Community Empowerment
This year, as KNJ PS Uniform Exchange prepares for our pivotal annual distribution events, we are excited to announce our first annual raffle—an essential fundraising initiative set to amplify our impact in the Kearny community. Your support through this raffle is not just a donation; it's a partnership in fostering educational equity and nurturing the potential of every child.
Each year, through our distribution events, we touch the lives of hundreds of children by providing free uniforms and school supplies, essential for their academic success and self-esteem. In the month leading up to these events, our annual raffle will serve as a critical source of funding, enabling us to prepare and execute these large-scale efforts effectively. This year, we are organizing two major events to distribute uniforms and a final, grand event to hand out essential school supplies—all designed to equip our children for the upcoming school year.
The success of these events hinges on the outcome of our raffle. Funds raised will directly support the logistics, materials, and resources needed to host these events, which will see hundreds of families and involve dozens of dedicated volunteers. Your contribution will help ensure that every child who walks through our doors leaves with a smile and the confidence to achieve their academic goals.
By participating in our raffle, you're not only contributing to a cause but also becoming a part of a larger movement aimed at breaking down barriers to education in our community. Join us in making a profound difference—support our raffle today and help us continue our mission to provide every child with the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
OUR TEAM
The Faces of Our Organization
Grant Writer
Words cannot describe the role that Kris Ward has had in ensuring that Kearny Public Schools Uniform Exchange always stays on track. Their continued communication with beneficiaries means that Kris Ward is our greatest asset in listening to the pressing needs of grantees.
ASH MARCUS
Communications Specialist
A well-respected member of the Kearny Public Schools Uniform Exchange team, Ash Marcus is one of our founding members and has played a vital role in shaping our vision and programs. They bring years of experience in making Kearny Public Schools Uniform Exchange a household name.