PHOTOS: St. Mary’s Springs 8th grade “elves” help younger classmates with Christmas shopping

St. Mary’s Springs Elves R Us program started in 1992 at St. Mary’s Middle School on Merrill Avenue.

Established and managed yearly by 8th grade students, the event engages them not only in the skills of business, but also putting the school’s “Ledger Way” into action with job lessons in servant leadership, responsibility, and accountability.

The Elves store allows every student in grades 4K-5th to shop for quality items for their loved ones.

8th grade students apply and interview for jobs, set up and manage the store and money, wrap presents, and everything in between. All profits made are used to make a donation to a charity of their choice (chosen by the 8th grade) as well as fund their class trip.

Items sold are gathered throughout the year by certain teachers that search out quality items at reduced prices.