During the Christmas season, many younger children have a difficult time to buy personal Christmas gifts for their parents. The children’s Christmas store at Preeceville School addresses that concern each year by allowing children to make such purchases for a minimal amount of money.
“Children can make their purchases with no hassle” at a store set up just for children,” said Linda Shewchuk, who has been organizing one-day store since 2004.
"My vision was to have the children play a role in the spirit of Christmas, by experiencing the opportunity of purchasing something special for their mothers and fathers,” she said. "On December 7, the store was open at the school library to the Preeceville Nursery School students and all students in the school from Kindergarten to Grade 12.”
This year there were 200 gifts purchased and $700 was donated for the Preeceville School gym sound system. The presentation was made during the school’s Christmas concert on December 17.
"I really appreciate and require donations to be able to keep the store going each year and this year, I was kept scurrying to the last minute to put more gifts together. Gift items can be donated year round and dropped off at the school anytime," said Shewchuk. The other request she had for the public was the donation of gift bags which always seem to be in short supply.
The kids’ Christmas store often goes by the name Good Tidings 4 U and is about “paying it forward,” she said. It allows the focus of the season to be more on caring and sharing the season and bringing joy into people’s lives.
It’s something so simple but it allows the kids and parents to enjoy and experience a loving and giving Christmas, said Shewchuk. Each year to make the store ready for the one-day shopping spree, she puts out a request for gift bags, small boxes, wrapping paper and ribbons. She also asks that all parents and children remember on Christmas day to set aside these items and bring them to school in the new year.
As for the inventory, “we encourage everyone to participate by donating something, even a cash donation is appreciated so Good Tidings 4 U can purchase gifts on your behalf,” she said.
“I count on the donations to keep this shopping experience alive and running every year,” said Shewchuk. “If children planned on attending the store, parents were asked to ensure that enough gifts for others to purchase were donated as well. If you have nothing available, or time is a factor, a cash donation would be appreciated and a gift will be purchased on your behalf.”
On the list of items most needed for the store’s inventory were: boxed stationery, jewelry, perfume, dishcloths, dishtowels, pictures, nail polish, pen-and-pencil sets, books, ornaments, wallets, bubble bath, playing cards or games, caps, coffee mugs, chocolates, toques, calculators, cologne, manicure/pedicure sets and shaving kit items. She also appreciates donations of home-made craft items.
“Thank you for helping me bring smiles to children and their parents every year. My volunteers help with my dream of wanting to help kids enjoy and experience a loving and giving Christmas. It makes me happy to known that the children enjoy and look forward to this event each year,” she said.
