With the rising cost of living, preparing children for school with the right materials can place an additional financial strain on parents and guardians. All students deserve to start their educational journey with dignity and equity, which is why the JEA, in partnership with Repair The World and JCC Association of North America, has created Project Elef. 

Project Elef is an initiative that will help deserving families prepare for school without stress. Elef, or “ אלף “,  is the Hebrew word for 1000. Our goal is to collect a minimum of 1000 items, and $1000.00 by July 26, 2024. The items collected will be sorted and packed, ultimately providing numerous children in the area with a brand new backpack filled with a complete and grade appropriate supply list. A "Most Needed" Amazon Wishlist is available, or, you can access the complete Chatham County Public School Back-To-School Supply List. In addition to school supplies, we are collecting new and gently used Chatham County approved uniform shirts, shorts, skirts and pants. We are also accepting monetary donations through our Project Elef Donation Form. 

We will be collecting tangible supplies throughout the summer and will have mint green "Project Elef" collection bins conveniently located in our building's Main Lobby, Preschool Lobby, and in our Small Auditorium. We will also have "Project Elef" tzedakah boxes around the building, which will be for collecting loose change and small bills. With your support, we know we will have an amazing impact on many.