Santa's Helpers Come To Hercules Elementary Schools

Children everywhere anticipate the unwrapping of gifts, the exchanging of thanks, and the unrestrained cheer of the holiday season.

But for certain students at Hannah Ranch and Ohlone elementary schools, the joy will be in giving, not receiving.

Over the next several days students will have a unique opportunity to shop at holiday boutiques set up on school grounds with items—and prices—targeted specifically for young people. Proceeds will benefit the Parent Teacher Associations at the respective schools, which will use the money to support activities both inside and outside of classrooms.

“The kids really love it,” said Hannah Ranch’s PTA volunteer coordinator Simone Grimes, who has spent most of the week working in the portable that houses the Reindeer Lane holiday gift shop. “We’ve got affordable gift items for children in elementary schools, and provide a separate place for them to shop for family members.”

The gift shop has been at the school all week, and will be open from 11:15 to 3 p.m. on Thursday and from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Ohlone’s Holiday Boutique will be available for students on December 8^th, 9^th, 12^th and the 13^th, with all merchandise priced at $2 and less.

“The inventory comes from some creative bargain shopping by volunteers: mostly post-Christmas sales, Black Friday deals and discount stores,” said Holiday Boutique chair Catherine de Leon. “The PTA puts this on to give the children an opportunity to get their first sense of independence by letting them have a chance to shop on their own without the prying eyes of their parents or guardians.”

With items ranging from picture frames, golf paraphernalia, jewelry and apparel, business has been great at Hannah Ranch.

“We would have 20 or 30 children in at one time if we allowed it,” Grimes said. “Kindergarteners come in with their parents because they get picked up early; older kids come in during recess and lunch. It’s a very successful event.”

The gift buying process at both schools generally begins with some sort of a preview of the items to be sold, which allows students to plan in advance for the days the shops are open. At Hannah Ranch, the teachers walk their classes in for a preview, while Ohlone students are given a “shopping for” list to take home to help them decide what gifts to get.

Ohlone teachers then bring their classes in for 30 minute shopping excursions. The merchandise is distributed evenly and restocked between classes to allow for an equitable opportunity to purchase items.

The operation of the shops is largely based on the support of volunteers, who assist students with selecting items, work the cash registers, and even help with gift wrapping. Volunteers are also needed to monitor students at the door. At Hannah Ranch, no more than 10-12 students are permitted to shop at once.

“It takes a lot of people coming together,” Grimes said. “The money goes towards the PTA to help with field trips, supplies, and different things people need at the school.”