Local PTA Aids In "Growing Up" Milestone

Room 241 at LITH's Chesak Elementary Friday looked like a mini-version of the department store scene in A Christmas Story.  The Chesak-Martin PTA's Holiday Shoppe was Wall-to-wall with kids embarking on one of the first landmarks of growing up--buying Christmas presents.

The Holiday Shoppe stocks little gifts, about 100 of them, child-priced from 25 cents to 10 bucks, for kids who've reached the milestone developmental conclusion that Mom and Dad might like to get something for Christmas as much as they do. "I remember," said PTA volunteer Jennifer Urbanczyk.  "I was probably about six.  I bought a little mouse for my mother. It was cute. I felt 'big'."

Second-grader Haily Sarallo was among the shoppers Friday.  Hailey said she was shopping for "My mom and my dad.  And my brother."  She was clutching her purchases to her coat, 'cause twin brother Logan was there, too.  Asked if she felt like a big girl shopping for presents she said, "...," which is how reporters transcribe a big smile and emphatic head nod.

CMPTA's Holiday Shoppe hours will be 5 to 8 pm Monday and Tuesday and 10 am to 3 pm Wednesday for kids to about age 11.

In the pic:  Chesak Martin PTA's Holiday Shoppe had lots of presents just right for small fry giving.  Mom might enjoy a set of high-fashion toe rings and Dad's sure to delight in another coffee mug.  (And, by a small Christmas miracle, they really will.)