For decades, the "Elves Room" at Aquidneck School has added to the holiday magic of countless elementary schoolers and their families. This year's version run by the school's Parent Teacher Group was no different, providing gifts and cheer for all.
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CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com 
“ELVES ROOM” BRINGS HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO AQUIDNECK SCHOOL
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (DECEMBER 21, 2022) – Lily Ringdahl professed recently she’s been looking forward all year to visiting the “Elves Room” again at Aquidneck School.
The first grader said she picked out some great gifts for her mom and dad last holiday season and the experience was so fun she couldn’t wait to give it another try.
“I got my mom some jewelry and my dad a 100-piece puzzle (in 2021) and they really, really liked them,” Lily said, holding a blue gift bag and white wrapped present. “It’s a special time of year and it’s nice to give everyone presents.”
For as long as anyone can remember, the Reservoir Road elementary school has opened the “Elves Room” each December for students to shop on their own for presents around the holidays.
The store is stocked with all sorts of goodies for parents and guardians from socks and ties and golf gear for dad to jewelry, makeup and clothing for mom and everything in between.
Run by the Aquidneck School Parent Teacher Group, months of work goes into the “Elves Room,” whether that’s collecting donations to making sure the holiday ambiance is just right.
Everywhere you looked, there were signs of happiness and cheer. The door to Room 302 was wrapped completely in red and white polka dotted paper, festive lights twinkle throughout and a Mariah Carey Christmas standard jingled from a large portable speaker.
Before they start their shopping sprees, each student was asked to make a $3 to $5 donation, but none is required and everyone got to pick out a couple gifts regardless of whether they contributed or not.
All the funds raised go to help less fortunate Aquidneck School families with gifts and other treats to make the season a joyous one.
Aquidneck School PTG volunteer Rebecca King has been in charge of the “Elves Room” for the past four years and she said it always amazes her.
“Look around, this is what the holidays are all about,” said King, who has three children, James, Max and Winnie. “To see their faces and how some of them want to pick the absolutely right gift is so precious. It’s all for the kids and it’s one of those experiences you never forget.”
Over the years, King said she’s gotten some wonderful gifts from the “Elves Room” and couldn’t wait to see what was in store for this year.
“I’m a Realtor (with Lila Delman) and I mentioned in the office I was helping with the ‘Elves Room’ and a number of people I work with said they’ve gotten gifts from there too,” King said, laughing. “Literally, it’s been going on for decades and brought smiles to a lot of people’s faces.”
Inside Room 302, there were at least half a dozen tables crammed with every conceivable gift. Holiday trinkets, picture frames and a cool green tiki themed mug were among the standouts.
First grader Patrick Fullerton wasn’t spilling the beans on any of his picks, but was clearly proud and couldn’t wait for his parents to see.
“It’s really good,” Patrick said. “I know they’re going to like them.”
Asked what he had his eyes on for the holidays, Patrick had an answer at the ready.
“I hope I get a drawing kit,” he said, smiling. “If I get that, that’s all I want.”
“The kids love it,” PTG volunteer Casey Tobias said, standing nearby lending a hand with the student shoppers. “It’s a way for them to make their own choices and see how much joy they’re bringing. Honestly, this is my favorite school event that we do every year.”
Outside the room, a group of volunteers stood ready to wrap each present, a smile on every face along with encouraging words about the quality of every gift. There were rolls of holiday themed wrapping paper everywhere you looked along with tape and gift tags too.
“We’ve been doing the ‘Elves Room’ as long as I can remember,” Aquidneck School Principal Erica Bulk said. “I can’t tell you how many people tell me it’s one of their favorite days of the year here and without the work and support of the PTG, none of this would be possible. We can’t thank them and all our teachers and volunteers enough.”
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/6433/NYCU-Elves
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