Back to School Shop Holds 11th Annual Event

Stamford, CT, July 31, 2025--Back to School Shop, Inc., a local all-volunteer non-profit organization, held its eleventh annual event on Sunday, July 27, at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering (AITE) in Stamford. Over 550 children from Stamford Elementary Schools, were identified and pre-registered by their school social workers. Those who attended 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.

When the doors opened at 9:00AM, 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, underwear and socks, backpacks, lunchboxes, as well as school supplies and a large assortment of books. All the hats were handmade and donated by community knitters.

“I think that my favorite part of the day each year is watching the children when they walk into the shop” said Meryl Japha, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Back to School Shop. “Their eyes grow wide when they see all the items they’re able to choose and they have the biggest smiles on their faces as they begin to shop! It’s such a joy for those of us working at the event”

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.

The children were not shy about expressing their feelings about the Back to School Shop event. Eight-year-old Darnell said, “I’m so grateful to Back to School Shop for letting me come and leave with my wonderful backpack and hat!” Another young shopper, while putting on his new sneakers said, “I feel stronger now!” Additional comments heard from children in the shop included, “These sneakers are great- 10 out of 10!”, “I love the hoodie the best-it’s so soft”, “It’s like a mall!”, “me encanto mucho, mucho, mucho!” and “This is literally the best day ever!” Another child told her personal shopper, “If anyone asks me about today, I will say it was excellent. No, even more than that - it was SOOOOO excellent!”

While the children were shopping, parents and caregivers visited the Japha Family Resource Center, where representatives of local agencies provided information about important community resources. Participating organizations included: Building One Community, Child Guidance Center, Children's Learning Center, Community Action Agency of Western CT, Community Health Centers, Connecticut Legal Services, Family Centers, Inc. Literacy volunteers, Kids in Crisis, Moms Demand Action, Office of Community Engagement/City of Stamford, Schoke Jewish Family Service, St. Joseph's Parenting, and the Stamford Fire Department.

Angelica Vargas of Community Health Center, Inc. expressed that “Health Care is not a privilege, it’s a right, and we’re happy to provide the Back to School Shop parents access to all of our resources.” St Joseph’s Parenting Center Lead Case Manager, Valerie Derisme remarked, “This is one of the most exciting events and we look forward to it every year. We love the opportunity to interact with parents of different backgrounds and share our missions and resources.” And Penny Lehman of CLC (Children’s Learning Centers) said that “CLC is so proud to support this wonderful event that helps so many families in Stamford. We’re so grateful that some of our families have been included in this event over the past few years.”

A number of state and local officials stopped by to visit the shop and speak to the children, families and volunteers, including U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Deputy Secretary of State Jennifer Barahona, State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Matt Blumenthal, State Representative Jonathan Jacobson, and Superintendent of the Stamford Public Schools Dr. Tamu Lucera.

After touring the shop, Senator Blumenthal remarked, “The Back to School Shop program provides students with the solid start they deserve. It’s a truly amazing model of generosity and public service. The smiles on the kids’ faces are priceless.”

Jennifer Barahona, Deputy Secretary of State for Connecticut, expressed “I have been a social worker for nearly 30 years and started my career right here in Stamford. This event is one of the most extraordinary examples of civic engagement and support that I have ever seen. The smiles on the children’s faces moved me to tears. My deepest respect and appreciation goes out to the founders and the hundreds of volunteers that make this event possible.”

Ceci Maher, State Senator from District 26 said, “Being at the Back to School Shop is always remarkable. An extremely organized, welcoming and kind event that supports families, especially children, to get them outfitted for the year ahead. Incredible volunteers serving the community with smiles and the items needed for kids to head back to school.”

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. One parent, Nicole, expressed, “I’m very appreciative of all the volunteers who work so hard on behalf of these wonderful children.” Another mother, with tears in her eyes, told a personal shopper, "Thank you, thank you. I had no idea how I was going to buy them school clothes and supplies."

As a special treat, the children and their parents had an opportunity to meet author/illustrator Akeem Roberts, who gave each child a signed copy of his new book, “Class Pet Ghost Detective Case #1.” Roberts said “Back to School Shop has provided me an amazing opportunity to meet so many young readers and witness their expressions and genuine reactions when holding their new books in their hands!” Many of the children left the event with the book still in their hands, already starting to read it.

“We had nearly 200 community volunteers working to make today a success”, said Jane Levene, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Back to School Shop. “Some of them are long time volunteers and for some this is their first year. We are thrilled to have them all. There would be no Back to School Shop without the support of our community—our generous donors and volunteers, community leaders, and The Stamford Public School System. We are so grateful for their support.”

Many volunteers expressed their feelings about being a part of the Back to School Shop event. Long time volunteer Wendy Lewis commented, “I wanted to cry when a parent said to me ‘God bless you’."

Sarah Lopez, a first time volunteer remarked, “It’s such a rewarding experience to help students feel confident as they step into the new school year. Back to School Shop epitomizes the essence of ‘It takes a village’.”

Volunteer Sharyn Sarner commented, “I’m proud to live in a community with wonderful people who plan an event like this to support others!”

Another first time volunteer, Mari Allen stated “I have volunteered for so many events and organizations, and this was the most well and thoughtfully organized of any event! The experiences for the volunteers and the families involved were amazing and so positive.

“The Back-to-School Shop continues to be a vital resource for Stamford families,” said Mayor Caroline Simmons. “By providing children with new clothes and school supplies, this event helps ensure every student can start the school year feeling prepared and confident. I’m incredibly thankful to the organizers and volunteers who make this meaningful tradition possible year after year.”

Since it opened its doors in 2015 Back to School Shop has registered over 4300 Stamford elementary school children from low-income families for its annual event.

Eight-year-old shopper Anahi summed up the experience with, “coming to Back to School Shop has made me so much more excited about going to school this year!” That’s awesome Anahi, that’s just what we hoped would happen.