This year marked an exciting expansion of the Little Angel Shop across the Umatilla School District, as the Parent Teacher Club brought the holiday tradition to both McNary Heights Elementary School and the newly opened Columbia Vista Intermediate School. With the addition of the intermediate school, the program was able to include students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
At McNary Heights Elementary, students participated in the Little Angel Shop, while Columbia Vista hosted its own version, the Viking Holiday Market. For the first time this year, volunteers had the opportunity to transform a classroom at each school into a fully decorated “shop” designed to be fun and festive.
This shopping experience allows students to choose gifts for their family members at no cost. Each student is allowed to pick a total of three gifts to give to their loved ones.
“This tradition allows students to experience the joy of giving–often for the first time–while preserving dignity and independence,” said Ashlee White, head organizer of the Parent Teacher Club. “For many families, it also helps relieve financial stress during the holidays.”
The shop is supported by donations from staff, families, and community partners. This year, organizations such as Evangeline Gifts and His Design Thrift Gift donated items for students to select from, while Walmart DC provided supplies to help students wrap their gifts.
Preparation for this event begins months in advance. Volunteers spend weeks collecting donations, organizing inventory, decorating spaces, and coordinating schedules. Donations of new or gently used items are gathered throughout the year, helping ensure there are enough items for every student to select three gifts.
“Seeing students carefully choose gifts, light up with excitement, and proudly say, ‘this is for my mom,’ is always the most meaningful moment,” White said. “Watching them walk into a decorated room and realize it’s a real shopping experience–the surprise and excitement on their faces—makes all the work worth it.”
This experience is made possible through the combined efforts of the Parent Teacher Club, school staff, volunteers, and community supporters. Throughout the year staff members save items, volunteers give their time to ensure the shop is ready for students, and community partners contribute donations.
“Our community comes together like no other,” White said. “The weeks leading up to opening are exhausting, but once you see the students’ smiles, you walk away with a full heart.”
The Umatilla School District and Parent Teacher Club are deeply grateful for the continued support that allows this tradition to grow each year. Families or community members interested in volunteering in the future are encouraged to attend a Parent Teacher Club meeting or reach out to Ashlee White at whitea@umatillasd.org.
The Parent Teacher Club is also already accepting donations for next year’s shop. All donations should be new or gently used and in good condition. Clothing or broken items cannot be accepted. The greatest needs include men’s items, small toys, games, jewelry, unused small household items, and craft supplies. Donations may be dropped off at the Umatilla School District office in boxes labeled “Little Angel Shop.”