J&L Cos. on Aug. 28 hosted a Build-a-Backpack event that benefited more than 150 students at three elementary schools in Newark’s Ironbound section, partnering with East Ward Councilman Michael Silva. — Photos courtesy: J&L
By Joshua Burd
Newark-based J&L Cos. joined forces with City Councilman Michael Silva last week to support students in the Ironbound neighborhood, collecting backpacks and classroom supplies to distribute ahead of the first day of school.
The family-owned firm, the developer behind the apartment building known as 55 Union and other projects, said it mobilized its corporate, management and leasing teams to participate in the Build-a-Backpack event. All told, the effort benefited more than 150 children who attend three elementary schools — Ann Street School, Hawkins Street School and South Street School.
“Schools like Ann Street, Hawkins Street and South Street form the backbone of our local community and it is a privilege to be able to partner with them to ensure the children living in Ironbound have the tools they need to succeed and start the school year off strong,” said Gabriel Lopez, vice president of J&L Cos. “I’m grateful to the J&L team, principals Marques, Lopez and Cruz and Councilman Silva for making this possible.”
The event is J&L’s latest act of community service in Newark, where it has operated and owned property for decades.
SLIDESHOW: Build-a-Backpack event in Newark
“I want to thank J&L companies for this action and partnership,” said Silva, the city’s East Ward councilman. “We know that there are many families in need, and at the beginning of the school year, it becomes more difficult for families to reconcile the multiple needs, so these gestures of goodwill enhance our community spirit and are representative of the strength and resilience of our people. It is this type of action that reinforces our presence and essence as an integrated and united community.”
Ann Street School Principal Isabel Marques, who hosted the event at the school’s parking lot, added: “My sincerest gratitude goes out to J&L and Councilman Silva for helping our families and students feel ready to begin a successful school year. Community partnerships are vital for our students, and this is just another beautiful example of the wonderful city of Newark coming together for the sake of our learners having the best opportunities to succeed.”
J&L noted that Gabriela Vicuna, an accounting manager with the firm, is a proud alumna and now parent of an Ann Street School student. That fuels her continued advocacy for giving back to a place that played a pivotal role in her personal and professional development, the company said, adding that she and other J&L employees personally picked out quality backpacks and other supplies with the students in mind.
“As an alum and now parent, it means the world to be able to partner with the school that provided such a strong foundation for me and now a new generation of young people,” Vicuna said. “I’m grateful to be part of J&L, a company that believes deeply in working with the local community in Newark and giving back.”
Nonprofit organizations interested in partnering with J&L should contact [email protected].
