OXFORD – What a “buzzing” of shoppers was observed at the twentieth annual “Santa’s Secret Shoppe,” held on Saturday, December 7, in the United Church of Oxford (UCO). This event was orchestrated by the Brisben Doers, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, and the United Church of Oxford. Together they organized a child’s and a separate adult’s shopping room, a refreshments room, and a bake sale room. There were two door prizes for the kids and one for the adults. Young shoppers, along with their parents, and other adults numbering over 120, visited this unique Shoppe to do their gift buying for others –including their pets- at special kid-friendly prices.

Students came in droves having given their shopping lists much thought ahead of time. They had predetermined amounts to spend and their thriftiness was very evident. Children were greeted by “elf” Joshua Hull who gave them a candy cane and coloring booklet. Elves assisted in swiftly gift wrapping each item. As the children left, many had bags dragging from purchases. They then, along with adult chaperones, were seen moving to the adult shopping room, and then the bake shop room, for more buying. Finally, for renewed energy they enjoyed cookies and drink.

The children’s door prize winners of two plush toy bears were Blake SanSoucie and Leah Oliver. The adult door prize winner was Wendi Corey who won a food basket.

An event as large as this, depends on the many hands (or “elves”) that make it work, and many wonderful donations. The volunteers, NBT employees, and especially the young adults, are highly commended for their contributions. Behind the scenes, there were some very willing Oxford Academy Middle School students who assisted in transporting merchandise to the shopping area for set-up. It’s especially worth noting how very polite and respectful the Middle Schoolers all were.

The churches give a big thank you to everyone who came to make it such a delightful and successful time this year. The Shoppe generated over $1,032 in “mission outreach” through the organizations involved.

For the kids who start saving ahead in their piggy banks, mark your calendars now. The next Santa’s Secret Shoppe will be on Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 9-12, at the United Church of Oxford’s Fort Hill Building. Contact the UCO office at 843-5195 if you’d like to donate or help with next year’s event.