Thanks to the awareness of well-trained staff, every child who enters a public school building in Great Neck is given the opportunity to dress for success\u2013 appropriate for the season, warm for the winter, making them ready to learn.<\/p>\n
Families in need can \u201cshop\u201d discreetly and with dignity for their seasonal clothing requirements. Private shopping can be arranged for parents and can be accessed by the GNPS Social Work Team upon request from a teacher, administrator, or parent. GNPS also regularly hosts distribution events such as \u201cFree Shopping Nights\u201d at Saddle Rock.<\/p>\n
No surprise, the Clothing Pantry has become a recurring, well\u2011organized support system for local households.\u00a0 In a community where social pressure is high, this matters deeply.\u00a0 Basics and essentials, including warm winter coats, well-fitting shoes, and clean clothing, bolster the families\u2019 health, safety, and self\u2011esteem.\u00a0 We all know, you don\u2019t get a second chance to make a first impression. Sometimes, a coat is not just a coat!<\/p>\n
Hidden Need Exists Everywhere. Donors are Silent Heroes<\/p>\n
Similar to a gemach in Jewish circles, or direct assistance provided by good Samaritans or houses of worship, the GNPS Clothing Pantry is a critical community resource.\u00a0Robust community collection efforts, also organized by school PTA\/ PTO build cohesion and shared responsibility among our residents.<\/p>\n
Adding to the inventory of donations gives residents a concrete way to help their neighbors, strengthening trust and social bonds. It also adds to sustainability and waste reduction, keeping high\u2011quality clothing\u00a0 (this is Great Neck, after all) in circulation, instead of dumpsters or gas station collection bins.<\/p>\n
Did you know: Most New York State clothing collection containers found in parking lots are privately operated, for-profit textile\u2011recycling bins, not run by the state or by charities.\u00a0 The clothing is usually sorted for resale or recycling, and most donations are sorted for second-hand markets or sold overseas. Please, neighbor: Shop local, and give local.<\/p>\n
Those who donate to clothing pantries often appreciate that providing clothing and essentials ensures that local families directly benefit. Their contributions result in a local student\u2019s confidence, success and wellbeing. The shared effort reflects the best of the community.<\/p>\n
In our town, pantry donors aren\u2019t just giving away their surplus clothing\u2014they\u2019re supporting academic success for Great Neck students and leveling the playing field, in a meaningful way.<\/p>\n
SHAI- The Sephardic Heritage Association<\/p>\n
Fortunately, GNPS efforts are assisted by dynamic community organizations and vital district partners. One such partner is SHAI, founded in 1992 and based in Great Neck. SHAI is a Jewish not-for-profit organization comprised of an all-volunteer board, funded by those dedicated to the local Persian Jewish community.<\/p>\n
SHAI has enjoyed a long partnership with the local public and private schools and other community groups on the peninsula. In June 2025, Mojgan Cohanim Lancman, New York State Supreme Court justice and Great Neck resident, was elected president of SHAI. Along with other prominent Great Neck residents, SHAI\u2019s leadership offers multi-generational support to many in our town.<\/p>\n
The SHAI Coat & Clothing Drive is an annual December event that directly stocks the GNPS Clothing Pantry, providing much needed inventory for schoolchildren during the winter months.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year marked the fifth consecutive collaboration between SHAI and the GNPS\u00a0 in doing the annual coat and clothing drive. SHAI never stopped giving back to our neighbors and the school community,\u201d said Lancman.<\/p>\n
To that end, some members of SHAI endured freezing cold temperatures on Sunday, Dec. 7 to organize and host the annual SHAI Coat Drive.<\/p>\n
Donors from points north, in Kings Point, all the way south to Lake Success, contributed to the event\u2019s success.\u00a0 \u00a0Hundreds of kids and parents directly benefited.<\/p>\n
Rebecca Sassouni, a sitting trustee of the Great Neck Public Schools board and member of SHAI observed, \u201cThis year, more coats than ever were collected and distributed!\u201d Happy kids, parents (and empty closets), everywhere!<\/p>\n
In 2021, Janet Nina Esagoff, a serial entrepreneur, founded Destination: Great Neck Ltd., aiming to fortify and celebrate all things Great Neck. Follow @greatneckbiz. In 2017, she launched Esagoff Law Group PC, now located \u201cin Town\u201d on Middle Neck Road. Prior to her law career, Janet designed special\u2013occasion wear for girls and teens at Party Girl, her boutique on Bond Street.<\/p>\n
![\"Janet](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/headshot.jpg\")
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