Finding the perfect Christmas gift is often a struggle — especially for children who want to surprise their parents.
The Echo Parent Teacher Organization helped students overcome this challenge with a Santa Shop. After more than a dozen years, PTO President Jessica Campbell said the special opportunity returned during the 2023 holiday season.
“The idea behind the shop is to provide a location where students of all school ages can shop for a family member all by themselves,” she said. “They have the feeling of being Santa, of being the giver.”
The PTO set up shop in Lindsay Murdock’s room. On Dec. 12, 2023, the store opened for business. Initially, each elementary class took turns with 30-minute rotations to ensure everyone was able to shop around.
The following two days, the Santa Shop was open to all Echo students, who stopped in during recess breaks, lunch or whenever their teachers permitted. Items included everything from books, vases, jewelry and keychains to toys, candy, picture frames and clothing.
“I shopped for five people,” seventh grade student Maryann Gilbert said. “(I) found some really good things for my mom, dad and brother.”
“I think it’s a good idea for people who don’t have a lot of money and want to get Christmas gifts for their family members,” Olivia Acevedo added.
And Santa’s helpers were available for those who were uncertain of what to buy. PTO members manned the sale and provided guidance.
“We ask them who they’re shopping for and then help pick out things,” PTO member Ashleigh Fordice said.
Each student received a $2 voucher to shop and could spend an extra dollar from their own pockets. And that went a long way with items ranging from 25 cents to $1. Campbell said offering low-priced items provided students with an opportunity to purchase several presents.
With a variety of items available, Fordice said some students came in multiple times before deciding on purchases.
“The kids have been shopping hard,” she said.
Wrapping up Christmas joy
After finding the perfect items, students headed to the present wrapping station in the school’s old office where PTO Vice President Jenny Thomas and member Karen Timmons helped students put the final touches on their gifts. Thomas said they tried to personalize the wrapping by incorporating the recipient’s favorite colors to give students more ownership over the process.
“The magic of Christmas is in them,” Timmons said. “They’re so proud and happy. They know this is the perfect gift.”
“It’s just fun to see the kids so happy when they leave,” Thomas added.
Students popped in throughout the day, Thomas said, with lunchtime the busiest. Campbell estimated they used about 200-300 gift bags and more than six large rolls of wrapping paper.
In addition to helping students “experience the true joy of giving,” she said the Santa Shop teaches money skills. Second grade teacher Billie Parker said the program allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom.
The Santa Shop is on the PTO’s radar all year long. Members keep an eye out for sales, including after-Christmas inventory reductions. As they gather items for next year’s Santa Shop, Campbell said they are looking for more men’s items.
“This is the best time to restock or for community members to purchase items to donate,” she said. “There are just so many good deals.”
The PTO receives proceeds from the Echo Car Show, held annually in May, as well as generous donations from community organizations and individuals. Campbell said Echo school staff, community members and high school students helped make this year’s event a success.
By the last day, the shelves and tables were nearly cleared out. PTO members were overjoyed with the surprise and joy it would bring. A recipient of a Santa Shop gift told Campbell what the experience meant to their family.
“The excitement and love that came from my son last night as he brought home the gifts he had chosen for us was priceless,” the parent told Campbell. “(It) brought tears to our eyes because he had never experienced shopping for us like he got to because of the Santa Shop. A very proud little boy as he put our gifts under the tree.”
