Back to School Shop Holds 12th Annual Event!

Back to School Shop, Inc., a local all-volunteer non-profit organization welcomed over 450 elementary school children of low-income families to its twelfth annual event on Sunday, July 26, at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering (AITE) in Stamford. The children, who were identified and pre-registered by their school social workers, were able to “shop” free of charge for brand new back-to-school clothing and school supplies in a pop-up shop created just for them.

“The Back-to-School Shop is a wonderful resource for Stamford families,” said Mayor Caroline Simmons. “I’m grateful to the organizers and volunteers who make this annual event possible and help ensure that every child has the resources they need to start the school year ready to learn and succeed.”

When the doors opened at 9:00 AM, children were checked in for their appointments, introduced to their volunteer “personal shoppers” and entered the school cafeteria which had been transformed into a department store. There were racks and racks of winter coats, hoodies and school clothes, a large sneaker fitting area, and tables overflowing with gloves and hats (all handmade and donated by community knitters), underwear and socks, backpacks, lunchboxes, as well as school supplies and a large assortment of books.

The personal shoppers helped each child make their way through the shop, stopping at every area to select a warm winter coat, try on new school clothes, pick their favorite backpack, and most exciting for many, choose the perfect pair of new sneakers.

While the children were shopping, parents and caregivers visited the Japha Family Resource Center where representatives of 12 local agencies provided a wide range of information about important community resources.

A number of state and local elected officials stopped by to support the event and speak to the children, families and volunteers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, CT Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Mayor Caroline Simmons, and State Representatives Tina Courpas, Jonathan Jacobson, and Tom O'Dea. O'Dea remarked "What an amazing job all the volunteers and donors do for these children! Truly, it warms my heart beyond words to observe the smiles on the kids' faces!" Secretary Thomas added, "Back to School Shop is transformative for families who might not have access to these clothes and supplies otherwise...families just like mine growing up. Who knows-the next Secretary of State might just pass through these doors!"

When the children completed their shopping, they met up with their parents to show off their new items. Both children and parents were very excited.

There were still a few surprises awaiting the families after the shopping concluded. Children and parents had a chance to meet author Akeem Roberts, returning to Back to School Shop to provide to each participant a personally signed copy of his new book, “Class Pet Ghost Detective Case #2”. Outside the building, families visited a fire engine from the Stamford Fire Department, and a mobile food pantry, provided by Schoke Jewish Family Service, where families were able to choose from a variety of groceries and had the opportunity to sign up for future food resources.

The new Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools made his first visit to the Back to School Shop and commented " Today's event supports our students and parents. Thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors for helping to ensure that our children have options as they prepare for the school year. We should all support this event!"

In total nearly 4100 children have attended a Back to School Shop event since the doors first opened in 2015.