Cape elementary school students shop at annual 'Holiday Store'

~ Students earn the right to participate based on their behavior.

Taveon Harris smiled shyly as he carefully examined a table full of gifts. Many choices lay before the Jefferson Elementary School fourth-grader. A miniature Christmas tree for his mom? Perhaps a pair of slippers for his dad? What about the package of ornaments grabbing his attention?

Eventually his eyes settled on a bottle of cologne. "It's called Old Spice," he explained, while inspecting the package.

Once his decisions were made, Taveon headed to have his two presents wrapped, one in a gift bag and another in red tissue paper, complete with a green bow. He will present the gifts to his parents on Christmas, and he just knows that they are "gonna love" his surprises.

The annual tradition of the "Holiday Store" arrived at three Cape Girardeau elementary schools this week. Students with good behavior "shopped" for two presents to experience the gift of giving.

Hallways were turned into malls, PTO volunteers into professional gift wrappers.

Thousands of trinkets, decorations and toys were donated by churches, businesses and civic groups. Volunteers helped organize the event at Blanchard, Clippard and Jefferson elementary schools.

"It helps the kids understand more about giving. It's good for kids to learn that giving is part of living," said Mark Cook, principal of Jefferson.

Students earn the right to participate based on their behavior. At Jefferson, students started each day in December with five tickets, which were taken away if they made "poor choices."

Each item at the store was worth a certain number of tickets.

"We just have to be good," Jefferson fourth-grader Kyle Macdonald said simply.

For the most part, students are polite and careful while shopping, said Mary Lou Bass, a retired counselor, who helps organize the event at Jefferson with her husband.

In January, Bass will hit up the after-Christmas sales to start saving gifts for next year. She also scours garage sales to find gifts.

"Some kids have never had the shopping experiences," she said.

Jerra Hutson, Blanchard's PTO president, said the requirement that students earn the opportunity gives them a sense of ownership about their gift.

"For some, this is the only opportunity they will have to give a gift for grandma. We are giving them the opportunity to feel how wonderful it is to give," she said.

Throughout the rest of the district and in Jackson, schools celebrated the holidays and good behavior with parties and events.

At South Elementary, students with good behavior, attendance and grades could attend a celebration involving face painting, art activities, snacks, scooter races and rock climbing.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123