On Saturday, December 15 students from Thomas County Central shared a little Christmas joy by taking shopping buddies from Hand in Hand, Garrison-Pilcher and Cross Creek schools to Wal-Mart in our 5th annual Shop with a Yellow Jacket (SWAYJ) event. Sixty-nine teams participated in this year’s event raising over $7,000. Students from TCCHS formed groups with 4 or 5 members and raised $100 per team to sponsor a shopping buddy.  The teams arrived at the school at 8:00 a.m. to organize and wait for their buddies. As the shopping buddies arrived, they were introduced to their team and sent to the cafeteria to color and make paper stockings while they waited for their departure to Wal-Mart. Finally the time arrived for the teams to begin loading the buses. When they arrived at Wal-Mart the students were greeted by the TCCHS fight song performed by the band and dazzlers. Excitement filled the air for the students and shoppers as they made their way into the store to being shopping. Throughout the store the TCCHS and TCMS choruses performed Christmas carols as the teams carefully selected gifts for their shopping buddy and each member of his or her family. Thanks to the help of Wal-Mart, check out was quick and simple and the teams were soon on their way back to TCCHS. Once back at the school, teams worked like little elves to wrap each present. After wrapping, pizza and hot dogs were served to the students and each buddy had the chance to decorate a beautiful cookie. After an exciting and wonderful morning, the buddies and their gifts were returned safely to their parents. TCCHS would like to extend a special thank you to Wal-Mart, Papa John's Pizza and Dunkin Donuts for their help with this year's event. See PHOTO GALLERIES for more photos.