Backpacks For All: CLC Of Fairfield County Helps Children In Need

Stamford CT

23 July, 2021

6:19 PM

Description

STAMFORD, CT — There were a lot of smiling faces at Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County in Stamford on Friday afternoon, as soon-to-be-kindergartners received backpacks full of school supplies. Ten sponsors including Alera Group, Eversource, Henkel, OdysseyRe, People's United Bank, PepsiCo Control Finance, Pitney Bowes, Synchrony and Webster Bank chipped in to purchase the backpacks and supplies, which were suggested by Stamford Public Schools. Each backpack included a pencil case, dry erase markers, erasers, pencils, crayons, scissors, a journal, tissues, binder, pencil sharpener, glue stick, pocket folders and headphones. About 160 backpacks were handed out Friday, with 317 handed out overall. Another event was held last month. According to CLC, 86% of children at the eight Stamford locations are from low income families. CLC serves children from six weeks to five years old. "Kindergarten can either be really exciting or really scary. If you have a new backpack full of what you need, then you're going to be more confident walking into a new building with teachers and children you've never met before," said Jennifer Hallissey, Director of Strategic Partnerships for CLC. "Our families have shared that they've really struggled because of the pandemic; they've lost jobs and some of them have been struggling with basic needs such as food. This is going to help our children be more confident and excited about starting school. It's also relieving financial pressure for parents." Hallissey said she hopes the backpack event can become an annual tradition for CLC. Girl Scouts from Darien helped pack backpacks last month. On Friday, eight employees from Pitney Bowes were on site at the Palmers Hill CLC location handing out the backpacks to the children. Polly Morrow from Pitney Bowes at Friday's backpack event in Stamford (p hoto courtesy of CLC) "Pitney Bowes has been a long term supporter of Children's Learning Centers. We know how important early childhood education is and preparing kids to go into kindergarten," said Polly Morrow, Vice President of the Pitney Bowes Foundation. "Having the kids receive the equipment they need to be successful in school is really important for them to get a good start for the school year, and it gives them a source of price, too, to have new things and everything they need." Esra Elshafey, Associate Manager of Global Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy at Pitney Bowes, also leads the company's employee volunteer activities. She said she was excited that employees jumped at the opportunity to help. Esra Elshafey from Pitney Bowes (photo courtesy of CLC) "Our volunteers are so dedicated, and we're so grateful they all came to support CLC today," Elshafey said, adding that this was one of the first outside volunteer efforts the company has done since COVID began. Along with the supplies in each backpack was a flier for the children and their parents. It offered up well wishes as kindergarten approaches in the fall. "Like a butterfly, time has flown! You have learned and you have grown. Take off now and spread your wings. Soar to new heights, learn new things," the message read. "And remember too... All of us at CLC are very proud of you! Enjoy kindergarten! The items in this backpack will help get you started!" For more information on CLC, and to enroll, click here. Or call 203-967-6960.