Back to School Shop

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Back to School Shop Back to School Shop, Inc. provides economically disadvantaged elementary school children with brand new clothing and supplies for the start of school.

OUR MISSION
The mission of Back to School Shop, Inc. is to provide economically disadvantaged elementary school children in the Stamford, Connecticut community with brand new clothing and school supplies, to help build the confidence and enthusiasm they need for a successful start to the school year. OUR PROGRAM
In an annual event prior to the start of school, children shop for new clothing and school supplies at no charge, in a pop-up store created just for them. While children shop with volunteer personal shoppers, their parents and caregivers visit the Japha Family Resource Center to meet with representatives of local agencies who provide information about how to access critical community services. WHAT EACH CHILD RECEIVES
Each child picks out a complete new outfit of clothing (shirt, pants, winter jacket and sneakers) plus underwear, socks, hat and gloves. They will also select a new backpack and fill it with school supplies and books. For many, this may be the first time they will have something brand new to call their own. OUR IMPACT
Back to School Shop, Inc. served 250 children with 180 volunteers at its third annual event in July, 2017. Nearly 600 children have participated since the first event in 2015. OUR ORGANIZATION
Back to School Shop, Inc. is operated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization overseen by a Board of Directors. Members of the Board also manage all day-to-day aspects of the program on a volunteer basis. Being an-all volunteer organization allows virtually all funds donated to go directly to benefit Back to School Shop participants.

Back to School Shop is honored to be recognized by the City of Stamford/Board of Representatives for the impact of our 1...
09/09/2026

Back to School Shop is honored to be recognized by the City of Stamford/Board of Representatives for the impact of our 12th annual event. This year, over 450 Stamford students chose brand-new clothing, school supplies, books, and other essentials to help them start the school year with confidence. None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers, donors, community partners, and Board of Directors. BOR member and longtime BTSS volunteer, Lew Finkel, presented the resolution recognizing the organization's impact. During the public participation session, Laurie Chase, Lew's wife and a BTSS personal shopper, shared how the experience continues to leave her with "tears and goosebumps" each year.

Thank you to the Stamford Public School social workers and to the Stamford Board of Representatives for this meaningful recognition and for helping shine a light on the importance of ensuring every child has the tools they need to succeed.
[Photo credit: John Velasco]

National Read a Book Day celebrates the excitement and adventure that books bring to readers everywhere. For children, r...
09/06/2026

National Read a Book Day celebrates the excitement and adventure that books bring to readers everywhere. For children, reading opens the door to new ideas, strengthens essential skills, and nurtures a love of learning. We distributed hundreds of books to elementary school students during our Back to School Shop event in July, helping them start the school year ready to learn and explore. Back to School Shop loves to support children and reading by continuing to provide brand-new books that inspire a love of reading. Please consider a gift and help give every child at next year's event the joy of choosing a book of their own.

https://www.backtoschoolshop.org/build-a-library

There's nothing quite like the joy on a child's face on the first day of school! We're so proud of every student from ou...
08/25/2026

There's nothing quite like the joy on a child's face on the first day of school! We're so proud of every student from our annual event who carefully chose their back to school outfits, gathered all their supplies, and confidently stepped into their classrooms today. Here's wishing everyone a fantastic, exciting, and amazing school year!

From preparation to cleanup and everything in between, our volunteers are the heart of Back to School Shop. Thank you to...
08/01/2026

From preparation to cleanup and everything in between, our volunteers are the heart of Back to School Shop. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to support this year's event. Special thanks to Future 5 for assisting with breakdown, inventory, and storage. Your dedication makes a tremendous difference.

A big thank you to Rye Ridge Deli, Costco, Wegmans, Westover Pizza and Trader Joes for providing food and refreshments f...
07/31/2026

A big thank you to Rye Ridge Deli, Costco, Wegmans, Westover Pizza and Trader Joes for providing food and refreshments for our hardworking volunteers during this year's Back to School Shop. Your generosity helped keep everyone energized throughout a busy day of serving local families. We appreciate your support!

It takes an incredible team to coordinate an event that serves hundreds of families and volunteers. Thank you to First S...
07/31/2026

It takes an incredible team to coordinate an event that serves hundreds of families and volunteers. Thank you to First Student, Inc. for providing transportation support and to driver Fritzner for safely shuttling volunteers throughout the day. We are also grateful to our parking volunteers for helping guests navigate the event with ease. Your efforts helped ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for everyone who attended.

"Smile and spread joy and sunshine!" 😊 Thank you to Hanna & Mazer Dental Group for generously providing dental supply ki...
07/31/2026

"Smile and spread joy and sunshine!" 😊 Thank you to Hanna & Mazer Dental Group for generously providing dental supply kits for every child attending our Back to School Shop. Your thoughtful contribution helps support healthy smiles and healthy futures.

Once again, our talented photographers captured the joy, excitement, and special moments that make the Back to School Sh...
07/31/2026

Once again, our talented photographers captured the joy, excitement, and special moments that make the Back to School Shop so memorable! A heartfelt THANK YOU to Beth Shepherd Peters, who has photographed every one of our events; Liz Lyon of Liz Lyon Photography, celebrating her seventh year with us; returning photographers Tim Ostheimer and Stu Madison, now in their fourth year; and Seth Barkan, volunteering with us for the first time this year. We are incredibly grateful for your time, talent, and dedication to preserving these cherished memories for the children, families, volunteers, and community we serve. Your photographs help tell the story of this event long after the day is over!

Thank you to the incredible volunteers who distributed 360 Dignity Grows tote bags through the Japha Family Resource Ce...
07/30/2026

Thank you to the incredible volunteers who distributed 360 Dignity Grows tote bags through the Japha Family Resource Center at this year's Back to School Shop. Filled with essential personal and menstrual hygiene products, these totes help ensure that women, girls, and others have access to the supplies they need. We're proud to partner with Dignity Grows to help promote dignity, health, and opportunity throughout our community.

Address

1127 High Ridge Road #232
Stamford, CT
06905

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