CRESTVIEW — Riverside Elementary School's parent teacher organization raised nearly $1,400 after turning a school storage room into a Santa Shop.
The PTO's store earlier this month sold items such as key chains, Christmas tree ornaments and picture frames to students.
"I'm happy with the amount we raised," event organizer Lisa Hernly said. "The kids loved it."
Hernly, the PTO's treasurer, said the event allowed students to provide Christmas presents for loved ones and gave them experience dealing with money.
"There are definitely a lot of lessons to be learned from this," she said.
"I think it gives the kids a sense of giving and responsibility," fellow PTO volunteer Rebecca Gardner said.
Gardner, who regularly volunteers at the school, where her 7-year-old daughter, Katelyn Greer, attends the first grade, said teachers taught students the importance of giving during the holiday season.
That particular lesson seems to have stuck with Katelyn, who said the best part of her shopping experience is "getting stuff for (her) family."
Proceeds will help purchase educational materials for teachers at the school, Hernly said.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Riverside PTO's Santa Shop raises $1,400