Second grader Leah Meyerkorth tries to find the perfect gift for one of her brothers at the Blue Jay Shop.

Blue Jay Shop Coordinator Dixie Teten helps one shopper pay for the gifts he bought at the Blue Jay Shop.

A new tradition has made its way to Rock Port Elementary. The Blue Jay Shop is a fund-raiser started by Rock Port Elementary Paraprofessional, Dixie Teten. She thought of a great way to help students get into the true spirit of giving this holiday season by picking out gifts for their loved ones and using the proceeds to benefit the school.

She collected donated items like coffee mugs, crafts, home decor, Christmas ornaments, tools and much more to create a holiday store where children can shop and get their presents wrapped before Christmas. A note was sent home explaining the mission behind the Blue Jay Shop and parents could send money with the kids to school on their designated shopping day. Items for sale range from 25 cents to $3 and volunteers are on hand to shop with the kids and help them wrap their gifts.

Not only is the Blue Jay Shop a great fundraiser for the school, but it is also a way to teach the kids many lessons, like shopping on a budget and the importance of giving to others.

“I love seeing their faces when they come to check out. Their eyes light up when they tell me who each item is for on their list. They really put a lot of thought into choosing gifts for their family,” Dixie said.

Last year, Dixie worked with the school staff and agreed to purchase a water bottle-sized fountain for the hallway. Their goal was $1,500, which they made and their new fountain was installed earlier this year.

“This year, our goal is to raise enough money to install a touch screen display TV similar to the one they have at the high school,” Dixie said.

Dixie would like to thank everyone who donated items and volunteered to help this year, especially Student Council members and Emma Teten, Dylan Lair and Jayden Barbee for helping set up each morning.

Planning for next year’s shop is already in the works. If you would like to donate items for the shop or gift wrapping supplies, please call the elementary school office or drop them off at the school.