Wyoming Area Catholic School students buy holiday gifts at Santa’s Workshop

EXETER – Students at Wyoming Area Catholic School prepared for the Christmas season on Dec. 13 with a Santa’s Workshop that found students shopping for presents for family and friends.

When asked how long the event had been held at the school, Lisa Pribula, Parent Teacher Group president, couldn’t provide a number but said she attended the school in the second grade and remembers purchasing gifts for her family at the special event.

Fourth-grader Ryleigh Santee was looking forward to placing the wrapped presents under the tree, a surprise for family members on Christmas morning.

Ryleigh said last year she purchased a makeup case for her aunt, which she uses all the time.

Ryleigh added she and other students had attended “The Nutcracker” at Wilkes earlier in the day, providing a holiday background for the day.

Karen Oncay, PTG treasurer, said students from grades Pre-K through eight, look forward to the event every year.

One little boy was looking for something “big” for his dad, she said.

Students were free to choose their own gifts, but members of the parent-teacher group were more than happy to help if asked.

The pre-K and kindergarten students were matched up with older students earlier in the day, allowing them extra support to shop.

Oncay said, in that way, older students learned a bit about responsibility and younger students got to spend time with their older peers, something they enjoyed.

Oncay said the event also taught a bit about finances.

Students came equipped with a list and the amount of money they had to spend.

“They had to match those two things up,” she said. ​

Students were also able to make a purchase or two for themselves.

About 50 items were available, ranging from decorative mugs to wallets to cell phone holders and beyond.

Oncay’s son Michael shops for her every year, but manages to keep it a secret until Christmas.

“He did get me something,” she said, smiling. “It’s going to be a surprise.”

Upon completion of their purchases, gift wrapping in a variety of bright colors was available for students.

Chloe Kelly, a pre-k student at Wyoming Area Catholic School, waits for her gifts to be wrapped at Santa’s Workshop.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL121519santa-Workshop1.jpgChloe Kelly, a pre-k student at Wyoming Area Catholic School, waits for her gifts to be wrapped at Santa’s Workshop. Aimee Dilger | Sunday Dispatch

Alice Coleman and Evie Poor shop for items at the Santa’s Workshop at Wyoming Area Catholic School.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL121519santa-Workshop2.jpgAlice Coleman and Evie Poor shop for items at the Santa’s Workshop at Wyoming Area Catholic School. Aimee Dilger | Sunday Dispatch

Nathan Piccotti looks for gifts for his mom at Santa’s Workshop.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL121519santa-Workshop3.jpgNathan Piccotti looks for gifts for his mom at Santa’s Workshop. Aimee Dilger | Sunday Dispatch

Patty Sidari wraps gifts for Julius Parry while his shopping helper Gianna Welby looks on.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL121519santa-Workshop4.jpgPatty Sidari wraps gifts for Julius Parry while his shopping helper Gianna Welby looks on. Aimee Dilger | Sunday Dispatch

PTA members wrap gifts for Wyoming Area Catholic student shoppers at Santa’s Workshop.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL121519santa-Workshop5.jpgPTA members wrap gifts for Wyoming Area Catholic student shoppers at Santa’s Workshop. Aimee Dilger | Sunday Dispatch