Teresa and Saundra Mann Christmas shop at the Sisters Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store. photo by Tom Chace

It was play money, but it bought some real holiday cheer.

On Monday, December 15, Habitat for Humanity of Sisters opened the doors of its Thrift Store on Main Avenue to children of this area to shop for friends and family members.

The only difference between this day and any other was that Habitat gave each child $25-$30 in play money and took it at the cash register as if it were real.

This is the seventh year Habitat has shared the joy of the holiday season with those who otherwise might not be able to buy gifts.

"It is one way Habitat can give back what the hundreds of people in our community give to us in the way of material donations as well as with their money," said Lou Ann Gibbs, volunteer chairman and founder of the Kids' Day at Habitat.

"The first group that visited us were from Head Start/SOAR," she said. "There were 15 in this group. They ranged in age from three to five years, pre-schoolers. Then we had another couple of dozen or so from Sisters Elementary School, especially selected for us by school counselors and social workers. They were the six- to 11-year-olds."

All were given an envelope with play money inside and a list of family members written on the outside so that the volunteer members of Habitat would make sure every person on the list had a gift when the shopping experience was over.

"Each child has a volunteer to help select the appropriate gift and stay within budget, although we are sometimes lax in that area," Gibbs said. "After the presents are purchased with the play money, then the volunteer takes child and gifts to our wrapping area where we gift wrap each item."

Saundra Mann, with the remains of chocolate milk and Oreo cookies around her mouth, had just finished her shopping and had all her gifts collected in a large bag to take home.

"I got something for my mommy and two brothers," she said in her tiny 3-1/2-year-old voice.

"Without Habitat, we would not have a Christmas," Teresa Mann said. "I have two boys, Robin and Patrick at the elementary school and this will be our Christmas."

Robin Thomas, a teacher at Head Start, walked her group along Main Avenue from the SOAR building to Habitat for this memorable shopping experience.

"It's a wonderful thing," she said, "to see these kids and feel their reaction to be able to buy something for someone else."

One blond youngster, who shall remain anonymous, saw a doll and her eyes got as big as half-dollars.

"Oh," she said, "that will be perfect for my mommy. That's just what she wants."

And she bought it!

"We always make sure that there is money left over so each child can buy something for his or her self," Ann Reed, one of the grown-up volunteers, said. "You'd be surprised how many dads want a toy truck."

Other Habitat volunteers on hand that day included Bob Reed, Jerry and Jackie Kvanvig, Bruce Gibbs, Gayla Nelson, Tim and Marie Clauson, Darlene Kelm, Lyn Jacobs, Kay Gram, Joyce Tyssedal and Carol Goodman.

Contributions of clothing and other items may be left at the Habitat Thrift Store, Tuesdays through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 141 W. Main Ave.