OUR Program

Each summer, prior to the start of the new school year, Back to School Shop, Inc. creates a one-day pop-up store where children of low-income families from the local community come to shop for their back to school clothing and supplies for free.  The participating children are chosen by social workers in the Stamford Public School System from local families most in need, and the children are preregistered for the event.

The Back to School Shop event is set up like a department store. Volunteer Personal Shoppers accompany the children through all of the different "departments," and help them choose their own new items, including: a complete outfit of clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, socks and sneakers);  a winter jacket, hat and gloves; a backpack filled with school supplies and books.  For many, this may be the first time they will have something brand new, and the first time they have been able to choose their own clothes.

While the children are shopping, their parents and caregivers have the opportunity to visit the on-site Japha Family Resource Center where information about vital community resources is available from up to 20 local agencies. Find out more about the Japha Family Resource Center (JFRC) here.