Santa’s elves at Thomas County Schools are busy prepping for a holiday tradition.
Shop with a Yellow Jacket, better known as SWAYJ, is set for Saturday, Dec. 14. This year’s theme is “Merry & Bright.” The annual event brings together students from Thomas County Schools to make Christmas a little brighter for the system’s in-need families. And it gives the big kids a chance to shine.
“SWAYJ is not just about helping families in need,” Thomas County Central High School assistant principal and event coordinator Leonard Guyton said. “It’s about our students giving back to their community. Having that experience and seeing the kids’ faces when they find the perfect gifts for their family members or realize they get a gift for themselves is an once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
TCCHS students form teams of four or five individuals. Each team raises or donates $100 to fund a shopping trip. On the day, each company of high schoolers is matched with a young student and taken Christmas shopping. Using the donated funds, teams help their child buy family gifts from Walmart. Upon arrival, TCCHS band members and cheerleaders greet the shoppers. While shopping, TCCHS chorus students serenade them with festive songs. Finally, groups return to the high school to wrap gifts before the younger students are picked up by their families.
“I enjoy doing SWAYJ because it is a great way to help local families in the community,” past participant Emily Siddell said. “SWAYJ is a fun experience that gives you the opportunity to help a family have a good Christmas.”
Students have until Dec. 6 to sign up teams. Then, based on participation, students from lower grades will be matched with their high school shopping buddies. This year’s goal is to aid 100 families.
Already, organizers are making decorations and plans for the big day. Guyton gives special elf kudos to guidance counselor Melissa Rodgers and teachers Amy Smith and Delisa Barrow for their work so far.
Delisa Barrow, whose background is in elementary education, loves seeing children having fun and enjoying childhood. Family and consumer science is Smith’s area, and she loves making things look beautiful, Barrow adds.
“Mrs. Amy Smith and I love bright colors, and we thought the children would love the bright, cheery colors too,” Barrow said of this year’s theme. “We plan to have giant bright-colored nutcrackers on display to greet the children. Our students are busy making giant snowflakes in bright colors, brightly colored packages wrapped up all pretty, and many other merry and bright displays! And the best part of the day: Santa will be in attendance to help spread Christmas cheer and to hear all of the kids’ wishes!”
There is a way the community may donate to this worthy cause as well, Guyton said. Anyone wishing to contribute funds for SWAYJ may contact TCCHS bookkeeper Jackie Dixon via phone at (229) 225-5050, email at jdixon@tcjackets.net, or mail the donation to her attention at TCCHS. Contributions should be made by Dec. 13. Tax-deductible receipts are available upon request.
“We will use these donations to help build this year’s Santa’s workshop, buy supplies like wrapping paper and decorations, and make this experience memorable for all participants,” Guyton said.