ESJ elves work in Santa's 'shop'

Laura Herrington, rear left, and Jazmyn Ray, both eighth-graders at Endicott-St. John Middle School, wrap presents for second graders Keelyn Nelson, front left, and Keely Jones Monday morning.

Barbara Strader annually turns her classroom into “Santa’s Workshop” at Christmas season.

Elementary students choose gifts for their classmates while the middle schoolers provide wrapping services gratis.

Straders said gifts are funded through donations by ESJ staff and community members, who made trips to area discount stores to buy the party presents.

The workshop replaced the school’s old gift swap some years ago so children can all give and receive gifts of equal value.

Students were scheduled to open presents received from their classmates during Christmas parties Wednesday.

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Trae Anderson puts the finishing touches on wrapping a gift.