Shopping made easy at Heart River

• Shopping

Heart River Elementary fifth-grade student Jace Steier helps her shopping buddy Riley Heisler find gifts for his family on Wednesday at school.

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The students of Dickinson’s Heart River Elementary have been busy shopping for their families without leaving the comfort of school.

“We wanted our kids to be able to give to others, and so each student comes with a shopping list of family members living in the household,” said Principal Sherry Libis. “They go shopping in our store. No money is exchanged, and they find gifts for whoever is on their list.”

The shopping was done class-by-class on Wednesday and Thursday in the school gymnasium. The fifth grade students helped the little ones with the shopping and wrapping.

“All the goods back there are good used items donated by our staff,” said Libis.

She said students get excited about the shopping day.

“It’s surprising how much they try to personalize it,” she said.

She referred to one kindergarten student who picked out Cinderella and Prince Charming dolls for her parents.

“She felt they were like Cinderella and Prince Charming,” said Libis. “It’s surprising how they think things through. They are so careful with what to buy for family members.”

Fifth grader Tiffany Johnson said it’s been really fun.

Jace Steier added, “It’s fun, because they want to shop for themselves.”

While it’s fun for the students, the staff appreciates the concept it teaches. The children may see things they would like for themselves, but they are reminded that this is for others.

“They leave with the message that it’s such a great feeling to be able to give to others,” said Libis.

Tags: heart river elementary, lifestyle, local