When Westwood opened its doors in 2012 we worked with our Communities in School director and counselors to be able to offer a shopping experience for our students.  There are new and gently used gifts provided by our staff for these student’s families.  We have had companies and corporations donate goods such as cuddly bears and puppy dogs from a jewelry company, socks and gloves from a local credit union and other groups donating various items.

Along with numerous of our school staff we have volunteers come in from our PTO and ADK, a teacher sorority, to help students “shop” and wrap. The students leave with BIG smiles on their faces and armloads of gifts for their family.  The volunteers leave a bit tired but thrilled to have been part of something that touches student’s lives.

Each year we have served 50-60 students.  In years past we have held it during the student’s lunch time.  Due to our challenges with COVID in 2020, we opted to host a Sign-up Genius store for those students not attending school and offered in-house for our students who were on campus.  We were still able to serve a number of families.

Here in December 2021 we are trying a new approach with offering the Holiday Store as an after-school activity with the addition of a couple crafting stations.   We have at least 60 students on our list and we are splitting them into two groups for either a Tuesday or Thursday shopping and crafting experience.

We are humbled and honored to be able to bring joy to these students and their families.  It is exciting to watch their expressions as they find that special something for one of their family members and are so thrilled to be able to give that to them anticipating the joy they can share with that loved one.  A taste that it is being better to give than to receive.