Taft Elementary is asking for donations for the annual Holiday Store

BOISE, Idaho – For the third year, students at this school in northwest Boise have the opportunity to pick out gifts for their loved ones at a holiday shop specifically designed for them.

• Taft Elementary hosts its annual Christmas store where students can shop for their loved ones.
• Donations will be accepted until December 16th. Taft Elementary requests that items be no larger than a beach ball.
• Volunteers help organize the store and help students select and wrap gifts.

(Below is the transcript of the broadcast story)

I’m your West Boise Neighborhood Reporter Jessica Davis from Taft Elementary, where she is currently fundraising to make her shopping experience as memorable as possible.

“I’ll add a few more articles here,” says Jenny Hirst.

Hirst is the community school coordinator at Taft Elementary.

The school is one of six community schools in the Boise School District that provide additional resources to ensure student success.

The annual Holiday Store is a perfect example of the extra effort.

Hirst says: “It is also a chance for our students to experience the joy and happiness that comes from giving to others.”

It offers students the opportunity to shop for two loved ones from a variety of donated items.

“We have a truly unique population here in Taft – people who have moved to Boise from all over the world all have different traditions as part of their culture, faith or family, and so hopefully this idea of ​​giving is relevant to everyone. “People,” says Hirst.

Over the next two weeks, volunteers will be collecting donations from the community outside of school before the big shopping day on the 18th.

Liz Johnson is a community volunteer at Collister United Methodist Church and says, “Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. I simply accept donations and then haul them back to our warehouse.”

So far, the storage bins are filled with kitchen supplies, Boise State equipment and toys.

On the 18th, volunteer personal shoppers will be on site at the store to help students select and wrap their gifts.

“My favorite time of year this year is packing. I love wrapping, it’s the only thing I love this season,” says Yvonne Parker.

Parker is a Taft mom and is in her third year of volunteering. She says the school gives so much to her family that it’s only right to give back.

“They are there to help everyone and that’s what I love – seeing this school is just great and if I can give some of my time to help this school I’ll be happy to give it.” says Parker.

Taft Elementary is accepting donations outside of school through December 16th.

They require that no objects be larger than a beach ball. If you donate wrapping paper, make sure it has a winter theme and not a specific holiday.

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