Holiday Shop gives EVSC students chance to shop for family, friends
Originally published December 2019
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Fifth-grader Lauren Brece and her friends did their best to curb their excitement as they sat outside Stringtown Elementary's Holiday Shop's doors.
But as they passed through the entrance, glancing around the room's extensive gift display, they couldn't help but convey their feelings of anticipation during the school's weeklong annual program. The event, put on by Parent-Teacher Association members, allows the kids to pick out gifts to give family and friends.
"It's fun picking out things for friends and family," Brece said as a smile began to fill her face.
Many schools throughout Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. have similar programs along with holiday-themed parties.
PTA Treasurer Amy Bickett said seeing children's excitement during the school's program has always struck an emotional chord.
"It makes you really happy when you see their faces," she said. "A lot of these kids don't have the opportunity to go to a store and shop for their brothers, sisters and parents."
Several volunteers and PTA members assisted the children as they walked between tables filled with coffee mugs, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, socks and other family-friendly items.
Bickett, who also served as the co-chair of the holiday shop, said a company in Louisville supplied gifts for the program. And as certain items ran low, she and other volunteers contacted the company to restock them before the shop reopened.
Each child used money provided by Stringtown parents, teachers and community members to select gift items. And after students purchased their gifts, volunteers helped organize and wrap them inside sealed decorated bags.
Brayan Mayberry, a parent of two Stringtown students, said the event gave the children a sense of accomplishment.
"I think it's great seeing them excited and knowing that they will be able to put something under the tree," Mayberry said. "They're being selfless in the holiday season, so it's awesome."