BACK TO SCHOOL SHOP a Resounding Success!

The Back to School Shop, a new, all volunteer community event was launched on Sunday, August 9, at Davenport Ridge Elementary School in Stamford, CT. One hundred and twenty-five children from Stamford Public elementary schools were able to “shop” free of charge 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 to make the event a resounding success.

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. The Honorable David Martin, Stamford’s Mayor, cut the ribbon with other community leaders, remarking, “It is wonderful to see the community come together in support of the children of Stamford.” Dr. Winifred Hamilton, Superintendent of the Stamford Public Schools and James Cohen, CEO of the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, each made remarks praising the Back to School Shop and all those who worked to make it happen. Also on hand were State Representatives Caroline Simmons and William Tong, Geoff Alswanger, Stamford Board of Education, Dr. Tamu Lucero, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Elementary, and Randall Skigen, President, Board of Representatives and Deputy Mayor.

Japha spoke of the inspiration behind the event, saying “It was the culmination of two years of hard work and commitment by volunteers who have spent countless hours to create an exciting and beneficial experience for the children here today.” She also remarked that “the Back to School Shop’s inaugural event would not have been possible without the support of the United Jewish Federation and the Stamford Public Schools.” Levene thanked “the community leaders in attendance, who have been so supportive,” and the many, many volunteers and donors, including Platinum Star Sponsors Audrey and Norbert Gaelen and Meryl and Ron Japha, and Gold Star Sponsors The Louis J. Kuriansky Foundation CT and The Claire Helsing Foundation.

Following the ribbon cutting, the store opened to “shoppers” at 10:00 am. Each child signed in, met their “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, eight-year-old Andy, exclaimed to his personal shopper “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. They were also able to select from new books that were donated by Al’s Angels and Kids in Crisis and Comic Books donated by Archie Comics.

The personal shoppers were extremely enthusiastic about helping the children find the perfect outfit, and making sure that they enjoyed their experience while in the Back to School Shop. Many volunteers remarked that they enjoyed the shopping as much as the children did. One volunteer became emotional, seeing the children’s excitement “I see that they’re so happy just to get something new for back to school.” Said a volunteer who worked in the coat area “I had such a great day helping the kids with the coats. One little girl was determined to find a pink coat to match her best friend’s pink coat—and she did!”

For many of the kids the chance to choose new sneakers was a highlight of the day. One of the sneaker fitting volunteers reported that a young girl grew wide-eyed when she saw a pair of sparkly purple sneakers, and said “I’ve always wanted shoes exactly like this. I’m going to wear them every single day!” Another child exclaimed, “I got Hello Kitty sneakers—they are the coolest!”

While the children were “shopping,” parents and guardians visited the Japha Family Resource Center where over a dozen local organizations provided information about health care and important community services. 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.

After completing their shopping the children were escorted back to their parents and caregivers and had a chance to show off their new clothes and school supplies. One mother was so excited that she hugged and kissed everyone in the room.

A Fire Safety Mobile Unit, which was parked outside, was a big attraction for the children as they left the event with their parents.

The Back to School Shop is slated to be an annual event, with the number of children participating increasing next August. For more information or to make a donation go to www.ujf.org/back to school shop or www.facebook.com/backtoschoolshop.