Students at Rebecca Boone Elementary were glowing with curiosity and excitement last week as they perused the school store for Christmas gifts for loved ones.

The Trading Post, a classroom full of donated items or items purchased through donations, served as the students’ shopping haven. And for many students in the district it has become an invaluable resource.

Throughout the school year, students visit the store on a monthly basis to purchase wants and needs with “Boone Bucks” they earn through positive attendance and behaviors. However, during December the focus turns to others.

“The whole idea of the holiday shopping is to encourage students to be giving,” said Principal Steve Weeks. 

For some students who are used to buying for themselves, it can be a challenge. So can accepting that sometimes they do not have enough bucks for the items they want.

“Some students might not have enough to buy an item they want, so they will save over several months,” said Weeks. “It’s neat to see them discover the value of a dollar.”

That’s where volunteers come into play, helping the students to manage their money, understand what they can afford and how to save to acquire it. Students practice decision-making on several levels with the help of first responders, fire fighters and other emergency personnel who donate their time.

“When they come in the store we immediately tell them how many bucks they have, and they can decide how much they want to spend and can keep track of how much it costs,” said Weeks.

Many students bought for Mom and Dad, as well as siblings. They reaped the rewards of their exemplary attendance and efforts in the classroom. And this year Rebecca Boone even gave each student a holiday bonus.

“We let them know this was for consistently being there and working hard on a daily basis,” said Weeks.

As items were purchased, new items were put out to replenish the store. Weeks says the selection was tremendous after a generous response of donations.

“We were absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of giving by the community,” said Weeks. “We’ve had a lot of volunteers who came in and priced items.”

The need is never completely met, though. The store was significantly depleted during the holiday shopping and needs replenishment heading into the new year. The students will return to their shopping for needs in January. For many, those needs include the most basic necessities, including clothes and hygiene products.

Those interested in donating can take items to the Rebecca Boone office from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Izac Marriman shops with Amy Ellard, administrator for the Warren County Emergency Services (911) Center. Record photo/Derrick Forsythe