‘Tis Better To Give & Receive

                                                                                                            by Linda C. Lucarelli

What better way to ring in the holidays than with a Holiday Shop for our school children?  Believe it or not, the Barclay Brook and Brookside PTA has been sponsoring this annual event for the past few decades.  “I remember shopping at these when I was young and in grammar school in Monroe,” says Audra Dipierro, chair of the Holiday Shop Committee for both schools and a lifelong Monroe Twp. resident.  Each November/December, the Barclay Brook library and the Brookside atrium become transformed into a magical winter wonderland with holiday decorations and snowflakes galore.  Students get to browse and purchase little trinkets and gifts for their loved ones right in their very own school.  It makes them feel special to be able to give their parents, siblings, relatives, and friends a gift that they picked out either all by themselves or with a little help from the many PTA volunteers who ensure that everyone on the child’s list gets a “little something” and that the children do not exceed the amount of money they have with them.

What an amazing sight it is to see these children purchase gifts from their hearts.  The items range in prices from 50 cents to a couple of dollars and include everything from bracelets, necklaces, and lip gloss to pens, toys, and personalized ornaments.  Check-out is convenient and each child leaves with a small holiday gift from the PTA whether or not they make a purchase!   This event not only helps the children with their gift giving, but also supports Barclay Brook and Brookside schools because 100% of the profits go directly back into the PTA’s budget which sponsors many programs for our children such as Author’s Reception, Circus Around the World, Cultural Arts assemblies, and numerous other activities.

            This year, the Brookside Holiday Shop will take place on November 28^th, 29^th, and 30^th and Barclay Brook’s will be held on December 4^th and 5^th.  This will give the children plenty of time to visit and make all of their purchases.

            So remember, as the children give out their presents this holiday season with the gifts they purchased at the Barclay Brook and Brookside Holiday Shops, keep in mind that they also receive so much more in return from these two amazing schools – the gift of learning, the opportunity to expand their horizons, and the reality that their dreams (all of them) really can come true!  And, at this time of year, what better way to support and encourage our children and show them that they really do make a difference in our lives!  Season’s Greetings!