Elementary students to 'buy' holiday gifts

Next week, students at Blanchard Elementary will experience shopping for family members' gifts, many for the first time.

The Cape Girardeau school collects monetary donations as well as new or barely used items every year for a special holiday store.

The store allows students to "buy" presents for their family members using holiday dollars earned for making good academic and social choices.

According to teacher Gail Lowrance, who helps organize the store, students buy gifts for a variety of ages and people including siblings, parents and grandparents.

The school needs more than 1,000 gifts to supply to its 300 students. Lowrance recommended items such as mugs, videos, toys, books, kitchenware, linens, jewelry and tools.

Donations may be dropped off at the school or picked up by school employees by Tuesday. For more information, call 335-3030.