Community volunteers took elementary students shopping during the
annual Santa Claus Project shopping trip. Each year, schools select
students based on need and merit for the holiday shopping trip. These
students receive $100 to buy items they need. Shopping assistance is
provided by local Rotarians. This year, 20 students were chosen for the
trip to Wal-Mart. 

Columbus Elementary School Principal Kathi Fowler said this is a remarkable event for many reasons. 

Deserving students can purchase some much needed items. “One of our
kiddos actually sat down at the register and put on his new shoes,” she
said. “The time spent with the Rotarians is priceless.  I think they had
as much fun as the kids.”

Most schools sent their principals and/or counselors with the
students. Fowler said she enjoys accompanying her students on the
shopping trip. “This was a great way to spend quality time with
students.,” she said.