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PROVO — They are often on the receiving end of programs like Sub for Santa, but low-income kids at Spring Creek Elementary School in Provo school are experiencing the joy of buying gifts for their families this holiday.
At Santa's Secret Shop at Spring Cree, kids shop for Christmas presents. They started this week, with more than 6,000 items on this table — all at affordable prices.
"They're counting their change and picking out presents" said PTA volunteer Kimberly Morris.
There are many items to choose from, for both kids and adults.
"They sell a lot of cute stuff, and not just little kid stuff," said 5th grader Alexis Burns. "They sell grown up stuff too."
Little Aaron Trejo bought a doll with fairy wings and a tutu for his sister. For just a couple of dollars, these kids can buy gifts for everyone on their list, anything from ninjas to gumball machines, hats and flowers.
Santa's shop allows kids who my not have much for Christmas a change to participate in one of the most important parts of the holiday celebration.
"We have 83 percent of our kids...below the poverty line," said principal Missy Hamilton.
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There are 100,000 lights in the Sorensen family Christmas light display. Of those, 13,440 belong to a spiral Christmas tree Eric Sorensen calls "unbelievable."She said most of the kids in her school normally cannot buy gifts for their family. So the PTA put together this Christmas store to let them experience the joy of giving.
"We work all year," Morris said. "We start the day after Christmas, trying to find things on Christmas clearance, to find things to sell them."
Most items are sold to the kids for under a dollar, with the most expensive things priced at $4.
"We have kids come in with little baggies of 100 pennies, 5 dimes, and 3 nickels and say, ‘I need a gift for my dad and my mom and my little brother," Morris said.
They may only have $2, but they'll be able to find something for every member of their family and see the happiness of their face when they know they have a surprise for their mom or their dad.
For the kids, it's all about seeing the reactions on Christmas morning.
"It feels good because you get to see their expressions and how happy they are," said 5th grader Will Labit.
"Usually the adults are getting the kids presents," Trejo said. "And it's a good thing "cause you can give the adults presents and they can give you presents, so it's like paying them back for what they give you."
The PTA expects to make $1500. All of the money goes to fund programs at the school.
