The Ashforth Company along with 12 other companies from Stamford and Greenwich supported the Work Place Volunteer Council’s annual Back to School Clothing for Kids program. Employees from these area companies donated many new school outfits and school supplies to 55 students who attend Stamford Public Schools. Although it is Ashforth’s first time participating in this program since the company joined the Work Place Volunteer Council last year, Back to School Clothing for Kids has been a successful program held annually for five years.

Ashforth was assigned to Caren, a seven-year-old girl who entered the third grade at K.T. Elementary School in Stamford. Knowing her favorite color - pink and favorite sport – soccer, volunteers Tiffany Barth, Lori Blessey, Monica Byrne, Stacey Cassidy, Donna Chaklos, Suzanne Criscitelli, Kim DePra, Mike D’Amico, George Ferris, Lisa Horvath, Lynnanne Hourihan, Janine McCormick. Luci Rogers-Reyes, Jerry Tie and Karyn Ward provided Caren with four new school outfits, three pairs of new sneakers, new fall and winter jackets and a new backpack filled with third grade school supplies.

"Participating in this terrific program and shopping for Caren were extremely rewarding to me. I'm sure the first days of school can be difficult for kids, so I'm glad I was able to take away one worry by providing Caren with new school clothes and supplies," said Monica Byrne, Portfolio Administrator for Ashforth’s Management Services division.

The mission of Back to School Clothes for Kids is to provide new clothes and school supplies to kids who are truly in need. Local schools report that many children miss the first few days of school because they are uncomfortable wearing their old clothing while their peers have new clothes and supplies. Back to School Clothes for Kids provides kids with new school outfits and all their requested supplies, so they can attend their fist days of school with a comfortable smile.

The Ashforth Company is a member of The Workplace Volunteer Council supported by The Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield County and through this organization the Ashforth is able to offer employees various volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The Volunteer Center serves nonprofit organizations, employers and individuals by coordinating their talents and resources, to build the capacity of agencies with the goal of enhancing the quality of life in our communities through volunteerism. Visit www.ucanhelp.org for volunteer opportunities in lower Fairfield County.