About 1,900 Cottonwood High and AMES students had the opportunity to shop for their families and pick up a couple things for themselves for the holiday season, thanks to the generosity of the community.

The opportunity came just days before the school’s fifth annual Winter Extravaganza, when for three hours neighbors, organizations and families donated a range of new items. 

Then, volunteers filled tables filled with stocking hats, coats, socks, underwear, sweatshirts, toys, games, puzzles, hygiene products, nail polish, jewelry, sports balls, books, gift wrap, and even homemade quilts, transforming the school commons into a bustling holiday market.

“Our neighbors, our community, they are so invested in this event, we could not pull this off without the community's help,” event organizer Robyn Ivins said. “The community support of this is incredible. We've had corporations, civic groups, church groups, youth groups, neighborhood groups and family groups, and it's awesome.”

Nearly 50 volunteers sorted donations, and another 30 set up displays. On Dec. 8, students walked through the tables with IKEA bags, many choosing gifts for siblings, parents and extended family members.

“Every year we have amazing volunteers who come help organize or help the kids choose their items. A lot of students shop for their families. Then, we make sure they get a Cottonwood sweatshirt for themselves,” she said.

Ivins founded the school food pantry in 2017 and remains committed to its operation; she also helped establish Cottonwood’s teen center, which provides additional resources.

What began as a small holiday support effort has become one of Ivins’ favorite days of the year. 

“This is the best thing. Many people help with Toys for Tots or Shop with a Cop, but few think about teenagers. The interesting thing is, these kids come, and we almost have to force them to take something for themselves. They're always thinking of their siblings, their parents and in multi-generational homes, they shop for cousins or grandparents. It’s why we started giving Cottonwood sweatshirts, so it’s for them,” she said. 

While saying that, one girl searched for games and puzzles for her younger brother and needed blankets for her family.

First-year Principal Justin Pitcher said witnessing students’ generosity is one of the meaningful parts of the event.

“This table is filled with all these toys for younger people, but these high school kids are picking out items, taking care of their sisters and brothers with Barbie dolls, Crayola crayons, Hot Wheel cars and all,” he said. “They're getting these to give away to somebody else. And our community was gracious and generous to give to us these brand-new goods so these kids can give some to others. Being able to do that is such a valuable gift they’re receiving and giving.”

Freshman Ryley Phillips selected a game for her family and warm socks for her mother and herself.

“I don’t have a lot of money, so this is really cool; I can get things for my family,” she said.

Pitcher said some volunteers shopped with their own teens to ensure donations matched what students want and need. Hygiene products and hair care items were in high demand.

“The kids are stopping there because they know they need those items,” Pitcher said. “I’ve noticed the two most visited spaces are the toy aisle and hygiene tables. Then, the basic items like socks and underwear. It’s those basic items that are being provided and these kids absolutely want them.”

One boy picked his family’s gifts before selecting his new clothes “because my mom wanted me to get the clothes I need.”

For Holladay Rotary Club volunteer Marsha Leen-Mitchell, participating for the first time was eye-opening.

“This is incredible,” she said. “It makes me happy to see the big difference this is making in so many students’ lives.”

Freshman Yasir Sadiq, who selected toys for his nephew and was looking at warm jackets, was grateful.

“I appreciate people giving us things so we can give them to our families,” he said. “I’ll remember this when I see him playing with toys.”

At Cottonwood High’s Winter Extravaganza, students added hygiene and hair care items to their shopping bags after looking at toys, books, games and clothes. (Julie Slama/City Journals)