‘Shopping Spree’ shows power of community
They say it takes a village to raise a child.
The Skaneateles community took those words to heart this holiday season.
Around 100 students participated in the 20th annual Holiday Shopping Spree Thursday at Target in Camillus.
The students spent roughly $18,000 on gifts for the less fortunate thanks to fundraising from the middle school student council and the Skaneateles community.
Students split up in to eighteen groups and were tasked with spending $1,000 per group.
Students were not allowed to pick gifts that were more than $15.
Gifts that were purchased are being be donated to organizations throughout Central New York. Organizations include Vera House, Spafford Food Pantry, Peace Incorporated, East Hill Elementary, Hillside, Onondaga A. R. C. Parkside, Make a Wish, Casey’s Place, Weedsport Food Pantry, Franklin Elementary, Skaneateles School District, Van Duyne Elementary, Seneca Street Elementary, Minoa Elementary, Morrisville-Eaton School Clothing Closet, Advocates Inc. and Skaneateles Outreach.
Funding for this event came from groups within the community.
The Central New York Community Foundation, a foundation that relays money from private donors to causes such as this one, donated $10,000 to the shopping spree effort this holiday season.
In addition, $2,000 was donated by Todd’s Fund and $3,000 raised by the Skaneateles Middle School Student Council.
Target also offered the students a 20% discount.
Students happily filled shopping cart after shopping cart with thousands of gifts.
Gifts were selected to include all ages and genders to provide some holiday cheer to as many children as possible.
“The Holiday Shopping Spree’s purpose is to help brighten the holiday season for kids,” Middle School Student Council Advisor Scott Stagnitta said. “This event also opens our students’ eyes to the importance of good will with nothing in return.”
