Holiday happiness: Waukesha students celebrate season of giving with special shopping spree
WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Thursday was merry and bright for dozens of elementary school students in Waukesha, as they filled up shopping carts with Christmas gifts for themselves and their family.
SHARP Literacy's 2nd annual Holiday Happiness event invited 80 students from Hadfield Elementary on a special shopping spree at Kohls.
"We serve students that might not get the opportunity to give or buy for themselves, and this gives them the opportunity to do just that," said Hadfield principal, Brandi Hart.
SHARP Literacy started the event in 2021 to spread cheer to student populations with economic challenges.
"It's been tough with COVID and learning loss, so it's just a way to kind of get them in the spirit," said SHARP's CEO, Lynda Kohler.
Each kid received a $150 gift card and a shopping helper, with volunteers from Kohls, Quad and the Carroll University basketball team.
"It's great to see the smile on the kids' faces during this time of holiday season, so it's always great being able to give back," said Carroll basketball player, Gio Carillo.
Last year's event served 40 students. This year, partnerships allowed SHARP to double that number.
"We want to triple it next year," Kohler said.
The event truly embraces the spirit of giving, with many of the students using this opportunity to give back.
"They always want to get something for their grandma, or their mom, or their siblings, or their friends. That's the best part, they pay it forward too," Kohler said.