EUGENE, Mo. -- The sight in one transformed Eugene Elementary classroom this week is any child's dream.
Hundreds of toys, stuffed animals and novelty gifts line tables, waiting for the children's perusal and selection. However, these items do not serve as presents for them; they are gifts the students give to their loved ones for the holidays.
The Eugene Elementary PTO is hosting its annual Santa's Workshop through today, allowing all students, pre-K through sixth grade, to purchase gifts inexpensively for their family and friends.
"The program has been around for about seven years," Lora Bax of the Eugene Elementary PTO said. "The teachers sign up for a day that works best for them, and the kids get to pick out items from a variety of gifts to purchase and give to their loved ones."
Bax said the PTO has a supplier for the variety of items available for purchase, as well as wrapping paper so the students can have their selections gift-wrapped right at Santa's Workshop. The PTO sells the items for $1 to $12, which are the prices they pay for the products.
"We try to keep it reasonably priced so the kids can buy for as many people as they can," she said. "The kids usually have about six to 10 people they are shopping for."
Coffee mugs and teddy bears seem to be most popular, Bax said. However, the students can find something different for each member of their family.
Syrai Happy, a third-grader in Linda Propst's class, had 16 people she wanted to shop for at Santa's Workshop. She said she was able to find something for everybody on her list within her budget and then some.
"I got exactly what I needed. Two people got two things, and I had enough left over to get something for myself, too," she said. "I like this event because I get to get stuff for my friends and family that is cheaper than if I were to get it somewhere else."
Bax said most parents are supportive of the annual program, giving them enough to buy gifts for the people on their list. She said the PTO also encourages the parents to have their kids do extra chores to help save their money in time for Santa's Workshop, teaching them responsibility and the value of earning their money.
In addition, the workshop elves - PTO members, grandparents and other volunteers, and A+ program students at Eugene - also assist each child with their shopping lists, making sure they keep within their budget and are able to get something for each of their loved ones.
"We have them count out their money and stuff, too, when buying," Bax said. "It is very educational and teaches them math and staying on budget."
Bax said some of the children don't have money to spend, so the PTO gathers donations and provides "Santa bucks" to those students to buy gifts and enjoy the experience. In fact, the PTO sometimes assists the parents in need of a little extra help at Christmas, as well.
"One year, I saw a family that couldn't afford much, sending their child in to spend what she could. The mom asked if she could shop for the rest of their family so they could have Christmas. That was so moving and great," Bax said. "The feedback is wonderful. The parents love it and especially if you use it to teach your kids about budgeting, giving and thinking of others. That is what this event is about: making sure to give to others during the holidays."
The kids are anxious to give to others, and Propst sees the benefits of Santa's Workshop on many levels.
"I love that they are able to secretly shop," she said. "Some of them came in and said they still had money left, and some bought something for themselves and others did not. Mainly, they are excited to share what they bought for their siblings, family and friends. The kids are very proud of what they can do on their own. It makes it special for them."