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Preschoolers' shopping spree benefits needy children in central Pasco

 
Taeesha Liddles helps daughter Nyla get a toy at Kmart during the Kids’ Stuff shopping trip Thursday to benefit needy kids.
Taeesha Liddles helps daughter Nyla get a toy at Kmart during the Kids’ Stuff shopping trip Thursday to benefit needy kids.
Published Dec. 11, 2014

LAND O'LAKES

Agroup of 50 prekindergarten students at Kids' Stuff Preschool & Day Care has made sure that some needy children in central Pasco will have a Merry Christmas.

As part of the annual giving campaign at Kids' Stuff, the children generated about $1,500 — enough to ensure that children served through the ABC (Assist, Believe, Care) committees at Pine View, Connerton and Denham Oaks elementary schools will receive gifts.

"The schools have told us that no gift will go ungiven," said Kristy Reavis, executive director at Kids' Stuff. "A multitude of families with children in all age groups are in need this year. We served 96 families last year, and will probably serve more this year."

After doing chores at home to earn extra money, the kids accompanied Reavis and Kids' Stuff teachers Isabel Trentman, Kim Copher and Judy Defriese, along with parent volunteers, on a three-day shopping trip last week at Kmart in Land O'Lakes. Kmart man- ager Nancy Kennedy granted the young shoppers a discount on their purchases.

"They're learning to do the right thing," Kennedy said.

The kids agreed.

"This year we're helping Santa," said Mason Jarrett, joining his classmates as they searched the toy department for gifts that ranged from Barbie to My Little Pony dolls, Disney Princess merchandise to Paw Patrol stuffed animals, and superhero masks and action figures to board games, paint sets and miniature cars and trucks.

Kids' Stuff preschooler Nyla Liddles went in search of a particular type of toy — and for a very distinct purpose.

"We're shopping for little boys and girls who have no toys," she said. "And lots of girls like Hello Kitty."

Twins Bryce and Brenna Ruggeri celebrated their fifth birthday on the shopping trip, also expressing enthusiasm that they were buying toys for needy kids.

Alyssa Marx was most excited to find a Hot Wheels car for one of her young beneficiaries.

"Wow!" she exclaimed, jumping up and down. "Look what I found!"

As they shopped, the preschoolers were encouraged to look for bargains, to consider the gender and age of the children for whom they were shopping and to stay within their budgets.

They had been encouraged to earn the money they spent by doing a variety of chores at home.

"I helped my mom clean my bedroom," said Leah Baisley.

"I helped Mom do laundry," said Christopher Lucas.

"I helped clean up at home," Evan Davis said.

And as the children learned to help others, they also learned valuable lessons about smart shopping and money management.

"They know they have limits, and they learn to make decisions," Reavis said. "This is an experience they can't get in the classroom."

And they learned about giving to those in need.

"Look at what these little hands can do," said Reavis.