Head O’ Meadow PTA volunteers were festively attired in colorful sweaters and hair accessories as students arrived in this year’s Holiday Giving Shop on Thursday, December 10.

Holiday Giving Shop Committee Co-Chair Vicky Ricks said this year the Holiday Giving Shop was again raising money for local charities and the remaining money will to go help fund PTA cultural arts programs, such as science enrichment, family events, and staff lunches.

This is the third year the Holiday Giving Shop has sold bags of items for $4, of which $1 given to a charity. After purchasing bags, students decided which charity they wanted their $1 donations to go to by placing markers in bins that represented the three charities, FAITH (Food Assistance, Immediate Temporary Help) Pantry in Sandy Hook, Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS), and Toys For Tots.

Bags at the Holiday Giving Shop were filled with things like candy, dog and cat treats, and golf balls and tees.

After students entered the shop, they worked their way around the school's stage, where the Holiday Giving Shop was set up, to choose between gifts for their loved ones. Once all of their gifts were collected, students made their way to PTA members who helped tag, wrap, and vote for charities.

Last year’s Holiday Giving Shop raised $1,550 for the three charities.

“The kids really enjoy it,” said Ms Ricks.