Items still needed to make Holiday Shoppes success

Holiday shopping has begun, and at the Cornell and Lake Holcombe elementary schools, it’s no different. As in years past, the schools will host Holiday Shoppes for students in grades 4K through fifth, where gifts for family or friends can be purchased for $1 each.

Each student can select two gifts from the tables that will be set up in the schools’ elementary IMCs, Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“These gifts are each wrapped, tagged for an adult of the child’s choice and delivered to the classroom to be taken home the same day,” said coordinator Kristine Hemenway. “No child is left out of this giving opportunity, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Items for the shoppes are donated from community members, and Hemenway says they are always in need of new or gently used items to fill the tables. Items needed especially, are those for men, such as hats, gloves, socks, sports items, tools, etc.

“The Holiday Shoppes are run by the Cornell and Lake Holcombe Camaraderie Club, and other community volunteers,” said Hemenway. “Donations are sorted, tables set up, children assisted as needed, gifts wrapped and delivered to the classrooms; all by volunteers.”

This year, money raised from the sales, will go to the Support The Troops care package program, which ships boxes overseas to soldiers with area ties.

Items for the shoppes can be dropped off at either school, the week prior to the events.

“We do want to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated items, money and/or time to make this a yearly event,” said Hemenway. “The children love being able to shop for their loved ones all on their own and are always so proud of their selections.”