Setting the Stage for SWAW

Shop with a Wildcat is currently an event that is buzzing around on the announcements here at Wheeler, now that December is beginning to near. People have been signing up to take part in this impactful event, and a lot of preparations are currently underway with this event just around the corner. Shop with the Wildcat has been around for many years now and has been an important part of the impact Wheeler students have on their community. Every year, the students group into teams and take a child holiday shopping and they take part in events such as cookie decorating and drawing. The event takes place every year in order to sponsor children, who may not be able to afford as many holiday presents, in feeder schools. As said by one of the Student Government leaders, Mrs. Alissa Jean, “It’s a time of year where people need to be around other people. So, anytime you can bring joy to somebody, it’s a great experience.”

The decorations and festivities of this event are some of the aspects that set this event apart from the others. In the past, there have been banners, posters, and streamers as some of the decorations, as well as the tradition of bringing Santa for the children. Last year, many of the usual traditions were cut short due to the pandemic, and the main tradition of shopping was not included. However, to make up for what was missed last year, the Student Government has been planning inclusive and grand decorations for the event. The Vice President of Student Government, Rithu Hegde, says, “The decorations are going to be amazing, out of this world.” In addition to this, they are also making sure the event is fun for people of all traditions and cultures. Another Student Government member, Navan Kothari, assured, “There will be non-religious decorations this year to be all-inclusive.” Contrasting from last year, this year’s SWAW will also include plentiful food and more activities.

For those wondering what the Shop with a Wildcat day would look like on December 11th, the schedule will be as follows: At around 7:15, Students that are volunteering at this event must arrive at Wheeler. Then, from 8:45-9:00 am, the little kids will begin to arrive at Wheeler and meet their student volunteers/have breakfast. From 9:15-9:30, the kids will be loaded up in the buses and go to Walmart with their shopping teams. They will shop at Walmart from around 9:30-11:30 and will return around 12 in order to have lunch, decorate cookies, and wrap gifts. Finally, the children will leave Wheeler with all of their presents from 12:30-1:00, allowing for clean-up from 1:00-1:30. All of these times are approximates and could change depending on the kids, so volunteers should plan the rest of their days accordingly.