As nine-year-old Alexis Cushshon picks out Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion to place in her denim and plaid Tommy Hilfiger book bag, she smiles as she makes her way to the “My Little Pony” shampoo and Crayola Magic Markers.

Today Alexis won’t have to worry if she’ll have something new to wear like the other children on the first day of school.

Alexis was one of 800 underprivileged children who started the school year off right thanks to the National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Section and various sponsors Sunday at Central Reform Congregation.

Children ages 5-10 who were selected by various area agencies by income level and need were each escorted around the room by a volunteer, their “personal shopper,” who helped the child fill up a large bag with clothes, school supplies, toiletries, shoes and winter gear including coats, hats and mittens.

Each child also tried on clothes to ensure proper fit and satisfaction for the first day of school. Volunteers from Nordstrom’s ensured each child was properly fit in the right size shoe as well. At the end of the journey around the room, children were asked to stand and get their picture taken — a token NCJW Marketing Manager Barb Smith believes children really enjoy.

But the preparation for back to school didn’t stop there.

Clarkson Eye Care Foundation also gave children without insurance complimentary eye exams and the Give Kids a Smile organization scheduled dental exams. While children shopped parents browsed tables in the Family Resource Center to do things from voter registration to building first aid kits for their families.

The event has grown from 200 children the first year to nearly 800 this year and also attracts nearly 400 volunteers and committee members — but the reason each of them comes back is unanimous — the children.

“It’s what I call the ‘Disney Moment’ when you see the child’s face,” co-chair Dana Gaby said. “It makes everything worthwhile.”

Melissa Baris and Anna Poger were the other co-chairs of the event.

Event organizers welcomed children from various faiths to take advantage of the generosity of local sponsors.

“It’s a misconception that we help only those in the Jewish community,” NCJW steering committee member Stacy Abeles said.

“Regardless of race, gender, or creed we want to help as many children as possible. Every child deserves the same back-to-school experience,” Abeles said.

In addition to the Back-to-School Store the NCJW started the St. Louis public school free milk program, the Scholarship Foundation, Victim’s Service Council and also works for social change through research, education, advocacy and community service to improve the quality of life for women, children and families.

For more information or to find out how to help sponsor or volunteer for next year’s event contact the NCJW at 314-993-5181 or log on to www.ncjwstl.org.