Testimonials

“On behalf of everyone at Stamford Public Schools, I would like to thank Back to School Shop for helping to ensure every student can start the school year feeling prepared and confident. We are grateful to the volunteers and donors who continue to make this crucial program possible for Stamford’s families year after year.”
-- Caroline Simmons, Mayor, City of Stamford

"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!"
--Dr. Adrian Talley, Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools

“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.”
--Richard Blumenthal, US Senator

"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!"
-- Stephanie Thomas, CT Secretary of State

“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.”         
-- Ceci Maher, State Senator (District 26)

“Every child deserves to arrive on the first day of school feeling proud, confident, and ready to learn -- regardless of their family's circumstances. Thank you to the volunteers of Back to School Shop for making that possible for hundreds of children for the 11th straight year. I look forward to celebrating your work--and these kids' success--for many years to come." 
-- Matt Blumenthal, State Representative (District 147)

“The Back to School Shop is a testament to the kindness and generosity of our community. It filled my heart with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration to see the amazing work they do, and I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all of the organizers and volunteers who invested so much time and goodwill to support the children of Stamford.”     
-- Hubert Delany, State Representative (District 144)

“I am amazed and moved by the critical work Back to School Shop does to help our marginalized communities!”         
-- Corey Paris, State Representative (District 145)

“Today’s event is the personification of Stamford values. Thank you to all the volunteers and organizers for making this remarkable and important event possible.”       
-- Jonathan Jacobson, State Representative (District 148)

"The Back to School Shop exceeded our expectations. The scale of the service provided to Stamford school children is amazing. Beautifully curated racks of clothes, shoes, school supplies, books and more giving our kids the supplies plus the confidence and excitement to start the school year. Kudos to the volunteers who have made this happen for 12 years.”         
-- Tina Corpas, State Representative (District 149)

"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!"     
-- Tom O’Dea, State Representative (District 125)

“This is my favorite event of the year! To watch the children choose all the items they need for back to school is very special!”         
-- Amy Beldotti,Chief Academic Officer, Stamford Public Schools

“We have a number of children whose families are really struggling and there is just no way that they can purchase new clothes or needed school supplies for the upcoming school year. It is so wonderful to be able to invite them to participate in this program. When we tell the children that they are going to be able to pick out their own brand new school clothes and supplies, they are ecstatic and want to do it right that minute!”
-- Gina Frederick, Social Worker, Stamford Public Schools

"The Back to School Shop is a wonderful and much needed opportunity to serve many of the students in the Stamford Public Schools. Many of our students come to school in September without any new or proper fitting shoes and clothing. They don't have pencil boxes or folders. They don't have the opportunity to start fresh with a fun, new backpack that they have chosen for themselves. Back to School Shop fulfills a great need in our schools.”
-- Jennifer Williams-Argenio, School Social Worker, Stamford Public Schools

“As a volunteer at the Back to School Shop I was able to see first hand what joy this event gave both the children and the volunteers. It is the very definition of Tikkun Olam, or acts of kindness to repair the world .”
-- Rabbi Jay TelRav of Temple Sinai, event volunteer

“I felt such a connection to the children that this program is helping. My family didn’t have much, and one of the highlights of my childhood was getting my one school outfit every year. I wore it five days a week, washed it on the weekend and wore it again the next week.  I want to be a part of bringing that sense of excitement and joy to these children”
-- Munira Okovic, event volunteer

"I am so looking forward to working on this again! It's the most gratifying volunteer work I've done in years!"
-- Suellyn Kaplan Bache, event volunteer

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

“This was one of the most organized, heartwarming and rewarding volunteer events I have ever attended."
-- Sheryl Young, event volunteer

“The smiles on the faces of the children said it all!”
-- Louise Harris, event volunteer

“We were excited and overwhelmed when we were invited to participate. I was amazed by the concept of the Back to School Shop and what they would be providing. In particular, I was pleasantly surprised that this gave the kids the opportunity to shop for what they liked and wanted to wear.  Although we are always grateful for what we receive, it is amazing that they can have clothes that they have picked and feel good wearing.”  
--Debby Lowe, grandmother of three Back to School Shop participants

“They have been so excited about coming here to go shopping. It means a lot to us.”
-- Mother of two Back to School Shop participants

“I’ve always wanted shoes exactly like this. I’m going to wear them every single day!”
-- 6-year-old girl, Back to School Shop participant

“Don’t I look beautiful?”
-- Back to School Shop participant

“Do I really get all of this?”
-- 8-year-old boy, Back to School Shop participant

“Are you sure we don’t have to pay for any of this?”
-- Back to School Shop participant

“This is the best day of my life!”
-- 10-year-old boy, Back to School Shop participant