Something For Everyone At Gingerbread Gift Shop

Students at are getting some money management and budgeting skills all wrapped up in a lesson about giving this week.

That's the purpose of the school's Gingerbread Shop, sponsored by the Westchase PTA. For the past six years, the PTA has set up the gift shop to give students a chance to purchase affordable holiday gifts for their family members. The gifts cost between 25 cent and $10.

"We do this as a service to our kids," said Tracie Kudla, a PTA member and mom of two Westchase Elementary students. "It was important to let them come without their parents and shop."

The PTA members turned one of the school's classrooms into a shopping paradise. Students are given a chance to shop throughout the week. The gift shop, open through Friday, Dec. 2, holds a wide variety of items from dainty jewelry to NFL team footballs and team car flags. Fun items like stuffed animals and cool pen and pencils help round out the shopping experience.

Each student is given an envelope to take home to his or her parents. The money they want to spend is put inside the envelope and whom they need to shop for is designated. PTA members are on hand to help the students find just the right gifts for their family members.

"Honestly we've had kids come in with their own wallets and they want to shop for their family," said Kristen Vega, a PTA member and parent of two Westchase Elementary students. "It makes you realize that's what this season is for."

The school and PTA ensures that all students get to participate despite their financial situation. The company that supplies the items for the shop donated a certain amount of inventory for kids who might not be able to afford to shop this year, said Tracey Dean, corresponding secretary for the PTA and mother of three Westchase students.

The PTA members estimate about 1,000 kids have circulated through the shop since it opened on Monday. The last day for shopping is Friday. Students who may have missed a chance to shop will be able to come during make-up times in the morning and on Friday, Dean said.

For more information contact Tracey Dean at 813-545-5500, Tracie Kudla at 813-765-2070 or Kristen Vega at 205-706-2021.