December 19, 2024
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
On the last full day of school before winter break, students at Kittrell Elementary School got a chance to shop for their parents and guardians.
The Kittrell Rising Ladies Society has hosted the Elf Exchange for several years. The idea is for all students to get used to giving to others, said club sponsor Jill Edmonds.
Known as KRLS, the club is open to girls in fifth grade. Students work on social skills such as manners and communication, and complete service projects such as the Elf Exchange.
The school’s gym is set up as a store with each KRLS member stationed on the perimeter. Dressed as elves or in other festive clothing, they help younger students shop for the adults in their lives. Older students are allowed to shop on their own. Once the shopping is done, club members wrap and label the gifts.
“The kids look forward to it all year long,” said Edmonds, an educational assistant at Kittrell. “We teach the girls how to wrap the gifts and how to communicate with the younger kids. They have to introduce themselves and ask ‘Who are you shopping for?’”
Students took home items such as air fryers, coffee makers, blankets, candles and more, all donated by community members and businesses. All 350-plus students at the school received at least one gift to take home.
“The community makes this happen and we can’t thank them enough. Our interventionists and related arts teachers are a huge help. It takes all of us,” Edmonds said.
KRLS delivered prewrapped gifts to Pre-K students.
Club member Lexi Miller said being able to shop is fun, but that setting up the store is hard work.
Zariya Wegener said in the two weeks leading up to the event, KRLS members were assigned jobs and began sorting as donations came in. Participating in the Elf Exchange is a “really fun” day.
“When you’re younger, you get to see the elves but when you’re older, you get to be one,” she said.