ALABASTER – Students with special needs at the Warrior Center in Alabaster spent part of Tuesday, Dec. 12, picking out presents for their loved ones at the program’s second annual Santa Shop in the Thompson Middle School media center.

“These kids hold a very special place in our hearts,” Creek View Elementary School PTO President Keri Southern said. “We went them to have an opportunity to shop just like their fellow students at other schools.”

“Our students come from schools like Meadow View, Creek View, Thompson Intermediate and the Sixth Grade Center,” Warrior Center teacher Marta Hammonds said. “If our students were at their home schools, they would be able to shop there.”

Hammonds said Santa Shop served an educational purpose for Warrior Center students by incorporating social and budgeting skills.

“Spending money is a life skill,” Hammonds said.

As she looked for things to buy, a Warrior Center Student named Kennedy said she enjoyed buying presents for her family and for herself.

“I’m buying presents for my mom, my sister, my dad and me,” Kennedy said. “I haven’t bought anything for myself yet.”

A Warrior Center student named Trenton said he bought a toy truck, a candle, two flashlights and two rings for his family. He said he liked shopping in the media center.

“My favorite parts were the toys, and shopping and looking at the books,” Trenton said.

According to Southern, this is the first time the CVES PTO has hosted Santa Shop at the Warrior center alongside numerous student and parent volunteers.

“(Warrior Center teacher) Tonia Jones asked if we would be willing to help, and we were excited for the opportunity,” Southern said.

Last year, Hammonds said the Warrior Center’s first Santa Shop was held by the Meadow View Elementary School PTO. In the future, she hopes to see more Alabaster schools get involved.

“We’re hoping they will want to share the love,” Hammonds said.