More than 80 students from Ryal elementary and middle school spent the day selecting their own Christmas gifts thanks to the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa.
For nearly 50 years, the Tulsa HBA and Ryal school district have partnered together in order to provide holiday gifts for underprivileged student and their families.
Volunteer and HBA employee, John Brawley, began attending the event 30 years ago and says the early Christmas celebration has great impact within the small community of Henryetta.
"These kids, some of them are so underprivileged this is the Christmas there going to get. Period," Brawley said.
With a $50.00 spending limit, children used the help of volunteers to shop for cloths, shoes, toys, and other items inside the Walmart Supercenter near 66th and Memorial.
Although holiday shopping was the main event, students also received a pizza party and spent time with Santa to end the day.
Ryal Superintendent, Lynn Maxwell, says many struggling families look forward to the HBA Christmas celebration and both parents and students rely on the day to help ease holiday expenses.
"Just to see it is heartwarming. It brings tears to your eyes. Some of them, that's the best Christmas they'll get." Maxwell said.
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