The school’s library this week was temporarily converted into a Santa Shop with decorated tables displaying gifts both practical and fun the elementary students can purchase for $1 or $2 dollars.
Students from low income families – about 40 percent of the school’s students come from families poor enough to qualify for federally funded free and reduced school meal plans – have their purchases paid for by a general fund of donated money, said Candella.
“My mom still has something I bought for her from a Santa Shop when I was a kid,” Candella recalled as the motivation behind her and others’ efforts in reviving the tradition of an in-school, affordable holiday shop.
“We started shopping in the summer for some great (discounted) items. We did a lot of smart shopping so that even the kids that don’t have money – the teachers let me know about them – and those kids get a ‘Santa Buck’ that allows them to purchase something for themselves and everyone in their family,” she said.
“No kid is left out and so far it’s great. I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the community, the families and the teachers,” she said.
Also, part of the new tradition is a family night this week where parents are invited in to shop from discounted items, while enjoying snacks and music from a student choral group.
Fairfield West Principal Melissa Muller said the school community has embraced the Santa Shop.
“A lot of kids don’t get to go shopping and with 40 percent of our students on free and reduced lunches. So this (shop) is an opportunity for them to pick something out without their parents and wrap it and give it to their parents,” said Muller.
“It’s nice stuff (gifts) and it brings joy in a very simple way,” she said.
About the Author