Students shop for loved ones
Chicora Elementary School students went shopping for their loved ones Friday at a Santa's Workshop event, organized by the parent teacher organization.
In the school gym, gift options, each priced at $1 apiece, were displayed for children to browse. Rows of gifts included everything from puzzles and toolboxes to pet treats and card games.
Children filled their buckets with presents and then chose paper to wrap them.Students had the opportunity to shop for anyone in their family, said president of the Chicora PTO Elice Rodgers — the items for sale were intended to fit a wide age range, so whether shopping for a grandparent, teenage sibling or young cousin, students could likely find an appropriate gift.The products are curated by parent volunteers throughout the year, or donated, Rodgers said.“They keep an eye on sales throughout the year,” Rodgers said of the shopping team. “We'll have teen gifts, coffee mugs for grandma, baking supplies for mom, tools for dad. It's a real to-do.”Rodgers said students were sent home with an envelope for parents to specify who was on their child's shopping list. The PTO assured that every student left with something for their immediate household regardless of financial means.“If the student has no money, we as a PTO ensure every single child has the opportunity to pick out a gift,” Rodgers said. “We always ensure they go home with something for their loved ones.”
Parent volunteer Tara Hackwelder said parents had the opportunity to send donation money with their child's envelope.According to Hackwelder, the Santa's Workshop has been around for years.“It's a long-standing tradition,” Hackwelder said. “They've been doing it since I went here.”Children bustled about, discussing options with their friends and seeking the perfect gift with the help of parent volunteers. Meanwhile, Santa himself took pictures with students from each classroom and handed gifts out to teachers.Hackwelder's son, fifth-grader Celton, was shopping for his parents, siblings, grandparents and dogs.“I think they'll like these gifts because they need them,” Celton said of a pair of pliers for his grandfather.Tylee Murray, a second-grader, said it was most fun shopping for her best friend.“She likes most of the things I like,” Tylee said.
Rodgers said the event was a great success.“This is the most organized, calm and fun one,” Rodgers said. “The volunteers made it that as far as helping in any way they can. You can't ask for better.”She said the children were anticipating the workshop after seeing her and her team set up the day prior.“You could hear them buzzing, they knew it was going to be fun,” Rodgers said. “They're excited to take time and think of what their family members would like.”Lyndal McFadden, a second-grader with a long list of people to buy for, said she was most excited to shop for her parents and for them to see what she got them.“I can't wait to see their faces,” Lyndal said.There will be another Santa's Workshop for Sugarcreek Elementary School on Friday.
