Third Annual Back to School Shop Wows Students

The Back to School Shop, an all-volunteer community organization, held its third annual event on Sunday, July 30th, at Davenport Ridge Elementary School in Stamford. Nearly two hundred and fifty children from the 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, with the help of volunteer “personal shoppers.” Over 175 volunteers from the community helped to make the event a resounding success.

The day began with a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the 2017 Back to School Shop. Meryl Japha and Jane Levene, two Stamford women who founded and co-chaired the event, led the ceremony with area dignitaries and Back to School Shop supporters. Japha welcomed the guests saying that the day’s event was “the culmination of hard work and commitment among an extraordinary group of individuals.” She expressed pride and gratification that Back to School Shop has been able to more than double the size of the program in the two short years since the inaugural event. Levene spoke of the importance of the event to the economically disadvantaged children in Stamford, saying, “We want all children to be able to pick out brand new clothes and school supplies for the start of school. It is our hope that by doing so, they will be able to start the school year with the enthusiasm and confidence they need to focus on learning."

Erica Arbron, President of United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien expressed UJF’s pride in helping Back to School Shop get off the ground, and thanked the volunteers in attendance for their support. Earl Kim, Superintendent of the Stamford Public Schools remarked “the outpouring of support for this program is incredible. It is clearly a labor of love for the founders, Meryl and Jane, and to see the joyfulness of the volunteers is really heartwarming.” Tamu Lucero, Assistant Superintendent for elementary schools added that this was her favorite event of the year. “We all know that when we have on an outfit that we think looks extra nice we walk a little taller and a little prouder through the hallways, and I am really excited that our students will have this same opportunity.” Deputy Mayor Randy Skigen thanked Japha , Levene and Back to School Shop on behalf of himself, the mayor and the Board of Representatives for “all their work to bring this wonderful program to the Stamford community.”

The co-founders thanked the many volunteers and donors who had made Back to School Shop possible: the Stamford Public School System and United Jewish Federation; Platinum Star Sponsors Audrey Gaelen, and Meryl and Ron Japha; and Gold Star Sponsors Charlesanna and Bill Ecker, Marc Gaelen, Nan and Paul Gordon, O.Berk Company of New England, and Jason Mager. They also welcomed new sponsor Westy Storage Stamford, who has already come on board for next year’s event.

At the conclusion of the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Back to School Shop opened its doors to participants. Each child, who was preselected and registered by his or her school social worker, checked in, met a “personal shopper” and entered the school gymnasium, which had been transformed into a department store. There were racks and racks of winter coats and school clothes, a large sneaker fitting area, and tables full of gloves and hats, backpacks, underwear and socks, as well as school supplies and a large assortment of books. The children were awed by the number and variety of items and couldn’t wait to get started. One child asked her personal shopper, “Do I have to pay for this?” and was amazed when told she was shopping for free. “I’m impressed,” said 10-year-old Kevin.

The personal shoppers helped the children make their way through the shop, stopping at each area to select a winter coat, try on new school clothes, pick the perfect backpack, and most exciting for many, choose their new pair of sneakers. Said Bill Ecker, volunteer supervisor of the sneaker department, “The children are so excited about getting to choose their own new pair of sneakers. I always tell the younger ones that the pair they picked are guaranteed to make them run faster and jump higher, and encourage them to take the sneakers for a spin around the shoe area. It gives me such pleasure to think of them walking into school on the first day with that little extra boost of confidence!” “I’m gonna have cool shoes!” enthused a 6 year old boy.

New this year, Stamford author, Meira Rosenberg, was on hand to sign copies of her recently published children’s book, Indiana Bamboo, and this quickly became a favorite stop for the children and volunteers. “I was so happy to sign books at the Back to School Shop event today with all of the wonderful children, organizers and volunteers,” said Rosenberg. “It was a joy to meet so many terrific young readers as well as several budding young authors.” Nine-year-old Franklin said he was really excited to meet an author because he “loves to read.”

The personal shoppers and other volunteers within the shop were extremely enthusiastic about finding the perfect items for each child, and they worked hard to make it a special and memorable experience for the children. "I was drawn to this idea from the very first year, enlisting my daughter Annie to join me." reports Marietta Morelli, a returning volunteer. “As personal shoppers, my daughter and I help children to select brand new 'first day of school' outfits, winter coats, and backpacks filled with books and supplies. We have felt so profoundly moved by the experience, as there is such happiness in the faces of the children. We both agree that we receive so much more than anything we give." Volunteer Judy Schneiderman agreed, “of all of my volunteering activities, this is the most gratifying.”

While the children were busy “shopping,” their parents and guardians visited the Japha Family Resource Center where nearly twenty local organizations provided information about healthcare and important community services. The American Red Cross was on hand to help families sign up for free smoke detectors and installation, and Dr. Leon Hanna and Dr. Kayla Mazer from Hanna and Mazer Dental gave the children demonstrations of good oral hygiene and provided toothbrushes and toothpaste to take home. The Ferguson Library brought their bookmobile and provided additional books for the children, and the Stamford Fire department brought a fire engine for the children to explore. Some additional participating organizations included Boys and Girls Club of Stamford, Child Guidance Center of Southern CT, Inspirica, Schoke Jewish Family Service, City of Stamford Departments of Health and Social Services, New Neighborhoods, Inc, and Community Action Agency of Western CT, Inc.

Dr. Eliot Brenner, CEO of Child Guidance of Southern CT, expressed his enthusiasm about being part of the Back to School Shop. “ This is a wonderful program for the children in our community and Child Guidance is so happy to have an opportunity to make families aware that our services for children with mental or behavioral health issues are available regardless of a family’s ability to pay.” Mike Cotela, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Stamford, which is a first time participant, said that he was very impressed with the program, which serves many of the same families his organization does. “It was a great opportunity for us to make sure that parents and guardians are aware of our after school program and the free transportation that we provide from the children’s elementary schools."

After completing their shopping, the children were escorted back to their parents and caregivers and were able to show off their new clothing and school supplies. Jefferson, age 7, said, “I always wanted a Minecraft shirt and now I have one. Can I wear it all day?” Many of the children insisted on changing into their new clothes immediately and having their pictures taken. Parents expressed their appreciation for Back to School Shop, with one mother saying, “I am so grateful that my son now has a winter coat that will fit him.” A parent of a 9-year-old echoed the gratitude of many of the families by simply saying “This is a blessing.”

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