Burlington, NJ - Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation has partnered with the St. Louis Section of the National Council of Jewish Women to stock the "Back to School Store"™ which aids deserving St. Louis area students. On August 11, three hundred children chose the back to school essentials they needed but might otherwise not be able to afford, including clothing, school supplies, and personal grooming items. The event, designed to imitate a department store shopping experience, was held at the Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis.

This year, Burlington Coat Factory supplied the "Back to School Store" with more than 800 items including jackets, backpacks, and shoes, all at a substantial discount. The purchase is part of Burlington Coat Factory's growing Bulk Discount Sale Program, which makes famous-maker, quality merchandise available at low prices to organizations working to serve their communities. The National Council of Jewish Women saved over $3,000 on this year's "Back to School Store"™ purchase.

Representatives from several local religious and civic organizations worked together to select children whose needs could not be adequately met by local social service agencies. The "Back to School Store"™ creates a genuine retail experience complete with departments and "personal shoppers" to assist the children in making their selections. Allowing children to choose their own new clothing and supplies increases their self-esteem and helps to promote schooling as a positive new adventure.

The National Council of Jewish Women, Inc. has been dedicated to improving the lives of women, children, and families through research, education, advocacy, and community service, for over 100 years. The NCJW is a volunteer organization, operating in 500 communities across the country. The St. Louis Section of the NCJW boasts over 2,000 members. The "Back to School Store"™ is merely one of numerous ongoing charitable projects they develop and support throughout the year.

Says Burlington Coat Factory's Community Relations Coordinator, Shannon Cavanaugh, "Kids are concerned about their appearance. Providing children with gear they feel good about and comfortable in helps put the focus back on learning, rather than what they are lacking. We're proud to support children in St. Louis and work with any organization which provides for the well being of kids."

Burlington Coat Factory is one of the nation's leading off-price retailers of first quality apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family, linens and home décor, and baby clothing and merchandise. Burlington Coat Factory operates over 315 stores, including subsidiaries, in 42 states.