“Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to come together with community partners like Macy’s to bring much-needed relief to the families of Newark’s South Ward,” said Dominique Lee, Founder and CEO of BRICK Education Network. “This was our second year hosting a coat pop-up shop, and it meant so much to us to see the joy a new coat brought some of our friends and neighbors during this difficult time. We look forward to reaching even more community members through events like this in the coming year.”

The coat giveaway was set up as a pop-up shop at Great Oaks Legacy Middle School in Newark. Residents were able to try on coats just like they would at a department store.

“We loved seeing the community come together this weekend to lift up South Ward families at our second annual coat giveaway,” said Nichelle Holder, Chief Program Officer, South Ward Promise Neighborhood. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for so many, and it is so important that we support children and families through events like this as often we can. It is always a pleasure to partner with Macys to provide quality designer coats to our family during this season.”

Approximately 650 community members attended the event. South Ward Promise Neighborhood and BRICK Education Network sponsored and led the coat drive. Coats were purchased from Macy’s at discounted rates.

“Macy’s is thrilled that for the second year in a row, we were able to participate in a winter coat drive that benefited so many families in Newark’s South Ward,” said Jennifer Harder, Store Manager at Short Hills Macy’s. “We know that there are many residents who need a warm coat during these cold winter months, and as communities like Newark continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, we are dedicated to doing whatever we can to support those in need.”

“We’re excited to support this event in collaboration with South Ward Promise Neighborhood at our Legacy Middle School campus,” said Jared Taillefer, Executive Director at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School. “Working together with community partners to ensure that critical resources reach South Ward residents is paramount in this challenging time, and we know this event will be successful in providing support to families.”

The event was also sponsored by Whole Foods, Wegmans, Walmart, ShopRite and Teach For America.

BRICK (Building Resilient, Intelligent Creative Kids) Education Network is a charter management organization based in Newark, New Jersey. BRICK is powered by visionary, diverse leaders committed to fighting the status quo. BRICK’s mission is to relentlessly knock down all barriers to students’ academic success so they can have an unimpeded path to unlocking his or her limitless potential and ending the cycle of lost dreams. To learn more about BEN, visit http://brickeducation.org/.

About South Ward Promise Neighborhood

The South Ward Promise Neighborhood (SWPN) is a community-based initiative of the BRICK Education Network. SWPN partners with a network of 26 organizations to lift up Newark’s South Ward families and children by ensuring children who live in the South Ward are provided support at every stage of development – from birth to college and a career. This system of family and community support services – which includes access to high-quality early childhood centers, schools, healthcare and housing – is designed to break down barriers and build up kids. To learn more about SWPN, visit: https://southwardpromise.org/.