Santa’s Workshop

Holiday shopping came early for Waiakeawaena and Waiakea elementary students Dec. 4th at Waiakea High School’s eighth annual Santa’s Workshop.

The event serves a dual purpose, providing the elementary schoolchildren with the opportunity to purchase reasonably priced new or like-new items for their family and friends, as well as acting as a fundraiser for a local nonprofit organization.

“Waiakea High School’s student body and staff members got involved by donating and pricing items and fulfilling various duties on the day of the event,” said student chairperson Cody Kojima.

“Since parents and older siblings were not allowed into the shopping area, WHS students served as personal shoppers and assisted the children in finding the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

“Free gift wrapping was also available.”

“This year, we had the largest turnout to date, and we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents who patiently waited for their child(ren) to complete their shopping experience,” said WHS Student Government Association President Katelyn Shirai.

WHS’s Student Congress selected Hilo Medical Center’s pediatric and neonatal departments as this year’s beneficiaries of the Santa’s Workshop profits. Past recipients include PBS Hawaii, Ronald McDonald’s House, the Food Basket, American Red Cross, Hospice of Hilo, Friends of the Panaewa Zoo, American Cancer Society and the Easter Seals Early Intervention Program.

Anyone interested in donating new or like-new items for next year may call the student activities office at 974-4888, ext. 362.