Today’s feature article is written by Heather Hawkins of North Habersham Middle School
This year has been an exciting year because our NHMS students have been shopping with us for all 3 years at North. We also have several students who are new to our school and have expressed their amazement for our Regifting Room project. With just one week left for our shoppers (and about 300 presents already wrapped), I share with you some of the most memorable visits to our room this past week….
One of our 7th grade students came to the room this year to ask if she could be a VIP again this year. Her sister had been a VIP for 3 years, but she has now moved on to NGA. Big sister is worried that the family will not have many presents this year because there is no program like the Regifting Room at NGA. Our 7th grader will be our first VVIP (very, very important person) at NHMS!
A 6th grade student was apprehensive to shop in our room because he did not have money to spend. He came to the room with several other students, but he would not enter the room…standing at the door looking in. I welcomed him in several times, not knowing his worry about money until another student shared the worry with me. I shared with him that the rules of the Regifting Room are that no money is ever accepted. Though he seemed very skeptical, he did eventually come inside to shop. He took his time to find the perfect present…a Bath and Body gift set for his mom.
An 8th grade student shared that mom puts her Regifting Room presents from 6th and 7th grade on the fireplace mantel every year. He came looking for an angel similar to those he had chosen in the past.
A student approached me to ask for advice for a gift for his father. This fellow doesn’t see his father often, and he says he feels as if he doesn’t know him anymore. Though they used to be close, dad has lost himself in addiction. We discussed that sometimes even parents can be in an unhealthy place, but that doesn’t change their love for their children or the love he has for his dad. We found the perfect present for dad and one for mom as well.
A little lady was looking for a present for her mom who she hasn’t seen since summer. Mom lives in Texas, and she needed a gift that she will be able to take with her on her flight to Texas for Christmas. She chose a beautiful turquoise necklace, just right for her Texas mom!
This year, we have had an exceptional group of student helpers! So many of our 8th grade students (many of whom are not Builders Club members) are begging to work in the room. Their enthusiasm is an overwhelming blessing. They want to organize, wrap, help shoppers, clean, and decorate. Many times I have come into the room to see a team of students working away as elves and serving other students as their personal shoppers. This group of students has taken ownership with such joy and excitement that it encourages my heart and fills my spirit with the true joy of the holidays. Their efforts to invest in this year’s project blesses me as I see them exhibit their sincerity for the gift of giving!
We still have many more shoppers …and many of our VIPs have not yet been through. Please let your friends and family know we will be accepting gifts until Friday!
