JFK students got their holiday shopping done early, thanks to the school’s holiday gift shop
By: Sara Peters
JAMESBURG – Jamesburg students have spent the past week relaxing and sipping hot chocolate.
Rather than braving crowded malls, students at the John F. Kennedy School hunted for gifts at the school’s holiday gift shop Dec. 12 and 13. The shop was open during and after school.
The children made their choices from a spread of potential presents, all priced under five dollars to fit within the children’s slim budget.
For a mere quarter, the students could purchase magnets, erasers, or "Happy Hanukkah!" pencils. For a little more, they could bring home a tealight/candle holder, a manicure set, or a coffee mug stuffed with two packets of Ghirardelli hot chocolate mix. Unfortunately for late shoppers, the shop was entirely sold out of the popular candles and tool sets by Wednesday afternoon.
Peg Kennedy, a parent volunteer working at the shop, said the children enjoy having the freedom to make their own selections and purchases. "They can get a small personal thing that’s from them," she said.
First-grader Dana Somers, Ms. Somers’s daughter, bought a special gift for her father to replace something he had lost.
Eighth-grader Angela Minton led her brother, first-grader Brody Halpin, around the shop so he could find presents for his parents. Brody spent his last quarter on a little something for himself, but he later decided that he might be more generous, and give the present to his father.
Accompanying Angela and Brody was their neighbor, Shaun Walsh, who is in sixth grade. Shaun bought something special for his mother, father and brother, all for under $10.
Ms. Kennedy’s sons, Thomas and Adam, have often purchased presents at the JFK shop in past years. "I’ve gotten a lot of these beautiful rings," said Ms. Kennedy, standing near the 75-cent birthstone rings.
Once they completed their shopping, students were given free gift wrappings, so they could display their purchases beautifully.
Ms. Somers said the PTA arranges the shop each year as a service to the school, and does not expect to make any profit from sales.
"It’s the cutest thing," said Ms. Somers. "I love being here."