Santa Shop for Sycamore School

 

The Santa Shop Purpose (See Note Below)

With our past support of this program, we have taken a different course. A lack of participants that are able to help with such a commitment it became apparent we could no longer put our resources into the program. Although when it was run in previous years we felt it had great value. Not just for those that couldn’t afford to buy gifts for family members, but also the experience of problem solving without parents directing kids on what to buy for their families. It was rewarding to see children processing critical thinking with a little help from a stranger. We would ask them questions and with their answers we helped them make a decision. Many parents were impressed with their child’s decision. Thought process is needed to solve issues in life. It wasn’t just a shopping experience, it was an education they could not get with a parent in tow.

 

 

Note:  We have decided not to continue with supporting the Santa Shop. Instead we will be focusing on helping more of the kids in need. But will also buy items for the school counselor’s point program. Children will earn points for behavior, homework, reading books, etc. With these points earned they select items of various cash in values. A great learning experience for all children. They will learn to save up to get something of higher value if they desire.

We are also providing healthy individual snacks for the bags that go home each week to help kids in need. Unfortunately in our community there are still hunger issues for families. Children can’t learn if they are hungry and tired. It is a shame in America that with all our surplus, that children don’t have enough to eat. In small ways we continue to do our part to bridge the gap. Every little bit helps.