Back to School Shop helps Stamford students with clothes and supplies

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Back to School Shop held its annual shopping event Sunday at Davenport Ridge Elementary School in Stamford. The nonprofit organization invited more than 500 students of low-income families who will be attending an elementary public school in the city. "For some kids, this is the first time they actually get to pick out their own [items]. We're not just a handout – we want them to feel empowered to make their own choices," said Jane Levene. Levene and Meryl Japha co-founded Back to School Shop in Connecticut in 2015. "It is amazing, it is exciting, it is exhilarating. It provides us with the motivation to keep this event going year after year," said Japha. Children are paired with a personal shopper, they are then able to pick a shirt, socks, pants, winter coat, among other clothing items. They also choose school supplies like, pencil pouches, water bottles and bookbags. All items are given to the child for free. It's one financial burden off the parents. "It helps the community – it helps me, and I don't have as much stress," said Karissa Mammone. Mammone has attended the event for the past five years, when she brought her oldest son who at the time was starting kindergarten. This year, her middle child joined the experience. He will begin kindergarten this fall. "