(Supplied: Hillside Community School, Facebook)

By Abby Zieverink

community

Hillside Community School continues student Christmas shop tradition

Dec 23, 2021 | 12:29 PM

An annual Christmas shop for kids at Hillside Community School is a tradition which displays the positive community culture of the school.

Josh Hartman, Principal at Hillside says the Christmas shop is all based on donated items from the community, allowing every K-6 student to pick out gifts for their parents/guardians or siblings.

“The Christmas store we host yearly is so that every student has the opportunity to go and shop for people within their household, free of cost, but we set it up like a store so that the kids can go pick out presents for their families.”

Hartman tells EverythingGP the student Christmas shop has been a key holiday tradition at the school for several years and is something the students look forward to every year.

“I know that it is kind of tough for some of our little ones to get out and be able to shop but they are pretty excited to get in the store and pick out something exciting for mom or dad or brothers and sisters,” he explained.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Since the shop is by donation, Hartman says it truly shows how much the Grande Prairie community always comes together.

“Typically, around the beginning of November, we have people already dropping off donations, asking if we are running the store,” he added.

“Other places like Scotiabank, ATB in the past, Big Country Toy Box, as well as other people who wish to remain anonymous donate either monetary or gifts.”