Head O’ Meadow Elementary School’s Holiday Giving Shop returned this year after a pandemic-related hiatus in 2020. The Giving Shop raised money for local charities while yet again offering students a way to purchase presents for loved ones.

The Holiday Giving Shop was overseen by PTA members Laura Reef and Julie Bshara this year.

The shop was set up on the school’s cafetorium stage. Classes took turns visiting the shop to purchase items between December 1 and December 2. Parent volunteers worked to help students choose gifts for loved ones, wrap gifts, and help students choose to which of three charities they could donate money.

As the classes arrived, students saw the store set up with different gift bags, all curated by members of the PTA, set up on tables. Each gift bag was sold for $4, and $1 from each bag went to a charity. Students select a charity to give each $1 to by placing a bead in a bin.

Gift bags included stuffed animals, dog treats, spa sets, candy, hot chocolate, candles, and more.

“We’re just happy to be back,” said Reef as one class was shopping for gifts. She added that she knew the Holiday Giving Shop was helping students smile behind their masks.

This year, as in past years, the three charities were Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program, and FAITH Food Pantry.

According to Reef, this year the Holiday Giving Shop raised $418 for FAITH Food Pantry, $518 for the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program, and $680 for Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

Reporter Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.