Operation Round Up Helps Spread Holiday Cheer

The McVay Elementary School PTO, a dedicated group of staff and parent volunteers, brought holiday cheer to students in Williston with the annual Santa Shop. The event, now in its second year, continues to grow in popularity, giving students the opportunity to shop while encouraging the spirit of giving.

What is a Santa Shop? It’s a popup store full of affordable treasures for loved ones, offering everything from sparkling rings to cozy mugs and light-up keychains. Prices for gifts range from just 25 cents to $12, allowing students to find the perfect gift for mom, dad, grandparents and others.

Thanks to the generous support of Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program and other sponsors, the PTO was able to once again offer students $5 for the Santa Shop.

“Operation Round Up’s contribution was instrumental in this year’s Santa Shop,” PTO President Shelby Stewart shares.

“We know that students aren’t always able to get something for their family,” Stewart says. “We wanted to make sure every student had the chance to spread holiday joy.”

The first two days of shopping are reserved for students to spend their money gifted from the PTO. The last two days allowed students to bring money from home to continue shopping.

The PTO’s dedication, partnered with community support, makes the Santa Shop more than just a store. It makes it a heartfelt way to foster generosity, joy and connection among students, their families and the community.

To read this and other stories in the North Dakota Living magazine CLICK HERE.

_{*Pictured: McVay Elementary School students Cooper Gilbert and Kaylee George check out the gift items at the Santa Shop}