For the eighth year in a row, Hillcrest School in Estevan is giving their students the option of putting others before themselves for the holiday season, by returning with the school's Christmas Store.

"Basically what we try and do is teach our students about the value of giving, and the importance of it all year round but also at Christmas time," shared Sarah Pippus, the Community Education Liaison, "We have donations that come in from the community, donations of used or new items that we can set up in the Store, then we also have folks who donate money so they can get tax receipts, and that goes towards gift bags and things like that."

Students then get the opportunity to walk through the 'Store' and pick out a gift for someone else, perhaps a parent, grandparent or sibling. Volunteer Staff wrap up the gift, and the child takes it home to place under the tree.

"It's not something they're going to pick out for themselves. There's quite a bit of teaching that goes into learning how to be kind to others and developing their character."

If your fall cleaning or playroom purge reaps some unused items, such as toys, Pippus says you can drop them off at the Hillcrest School anytime between 9 AM and 3 PM. They also accept tax-returnable donations to provide for other items. 

Those interested in helping out as 'Elves' are also welcome to don the ears and uniform to help out. The Store will be run December 11th and 12th.