TIFTON, Ga. — Eighth Street Middle School students got the opportunity to play Santa for local elementary school students this week. 

Approximately 120 ESMS students brought in money to sponsor a shopping trip for 24 elementary school students from Tift County Pre-K Center, Annie Belle Clark Primary School, Len Lastinger Primary School, G.O. Bailey Primary School, Omega School and Northside Primary School.

The elementary students were taken to Walmart, where they were not only allowed to pick out presents for themselves, but also encouraged to choose presents for their families.

According to Dr. Chad Stone, principal at ESMS, the students have been bringing in money for weeks to prepare for this event.

“We want to continue this every year,” said Stone.

In addition to the older students getting to give back to those who may have a hard time getting presents this year, the event made the students use life skills they’ve learned in the classroom, such as budgeting and calculating percentages.

After the shopping trip, the students returned to ESMS and helped the younger students wrap all their gifts.

Checkers sponsored lunch for all participants.

One ESMS student, Sydney Pridgon, said her favorite part of the event was getting to see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they were picking out gifts.

“In Tift County, we like to give back,” Pridgon said. “Today was just a really good day.”