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Stamford Volunteers Launch Back-To-School Shop For Kids

STAMFORD, Conn. -- The Back to School Shop, a new, all-volunteer event was launched Aug. 9 at Davenport Ridge Elementary School in Stamford.

A ribbon-cutting opened the inaugural Back to School Shop event.

A ribbon-cutting opened the inaugural Back to School Shop event.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Mayor David Martin talks with a young shopper.

Mayor David Martin talks with a young shopper.

Photo Credit: Contributed

A total of 125 children from Stamford public elementary schools were able to "shop" for free for brand-new back-to-school outfits and school supplies in a department-store-like setting, created just for them. Over 150 trained volunteers helped at the event.

The day began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for dignitaries and supporters of the Back to School Shop led by Meryl Japha and Jane Levene, two Stamford women who founded and co-chaired the event. Mayor David Martin cut the ribbon with other community leaders.

Winifred Hamilton, superintendent of Stamford Public Schools, and James Cohen, CEO of the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, made remarks praising the Back to School Shop and all those who worked to make it happen.

Also on hand were state Reps. Caroline Simmons and William Tong; Geoff Alswanger of the Stamford Board of Education; Tamu Lucero, assistant superintendent of schools, elementary; and Randall Skigen, president, Board of Representatives and deputy mayor.

Following the ribbon cutting, the store opened to “shoppers” at 10 a.m. Each child signed in, met a “personal shopper” and entered the gymnasium, which had been transformed into a department store. There were racks and racks of clothes, sneaker fitting areas and tables full of backpacks, school supplies and books.

The children appeared amazed by the variety of items to choose from. One child jumped up and down in excitement as she entered the shopping area. Another, 8-year-old Andy, exclaimed, “Do I really get all of this?”

The children, who were preselected by their school social workers, were able to choose their own winter coat, hat and gloves, sneakers, pants, shirt, undergarments, socks and a backpack that they filled with school supplies. 

Some of the participating organizations included the Stamford Departments of Health and Human Services, Office of Family and Community Engagement, Connecticut Legal Services, New Neighborhoods,Inc., Domus Kids, The Ferguson Library, The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County and Literacy Volunteers at Family Centers.

The Back to School Shop is slated to be an annual event, with the number of children participating increasing next August.

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