Skaneateles Middle School students were let loose last week in the Camillus Wal-Mart with the goal of spending $14,000 on toys and other gifts for less fortunate children throughout Central New York.
The annual charity shopping event saw 60 student volunteers and 21 district staff members divided into groups, each racing around Wal-Mart with specific tasks and shopping lists for specific children’s charities. Each student group had 90 minutes to spend roughly $1,000, and each item purchased had to be under $20.
“Before we begin our shopping spree, I explain to my students the impact they will have on a child’s Christmas because of what they are about to accomplish,” said Student Council advisor Scott Stagnitta. “To help make the connection on what is taking place, I will have Peace Incorporated send video and photos of the toys being passed out at local schools and organizations. My student council members, in January, will get a glimpse of what they have helped accomplish and the impact they have made on other lives because of their generosity.”
The annual Skaneateles Middle School Student Council Holiday Shopping Spree started in 2000 when 25 student council representatives raised $500 and shopped for toys for local children at Toys R Us.
“The experience was uplifting for these 25 kids. They were shopping for children who would go without if not for them,” Stagnitta said.
The second year saw the Student Council host a Dinosaur BBQ fundraiser off the back dock of the technology room. They sold 15 pounds of pulled pork and raised around $400. Now, 10 years later, the student council sold 100 pounds of Dinosaur BBQ pulled pork and 20 pounds of Gianelli sausage in a drive-in-restaurant type of setting in front of the Middle School. This year close to $5,000 was raised.
Funding for the shopping spree came from multiple sources. Skaneateles Middle School students earned $1,750 through their own fundraising efforts. Todd’s Fund and Friends of Dave Pirro each donated $5,000 to the cause, while Wal-Mart gave a 20 percent discount to the entire event, which increased the purchase value of the spree from $12,750 to $14,100.
The SMS students bought gifts to distribute to children at numerous local organizations the Oncology Unit at Golisano Children’s Hospital, Head Start, Vera House, PEACE Inc. and Onondaga ARC.
The students purchased toys that filled more than 100 shopping carts, and ended with a receipt that measured 12 yards in length, Stagnitta said.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Skaneateles Press. He can be reached at [email protected].
