Unique gifts found at WISD bazaar
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson The pride that can only been seen in a parent's eyes is evident in Virginia Muniz as she looks over the various offerings at the Wharton ISD's first ever Christmas Bazaar.

Shoppers in the know were picking up some gifts that were special for more than just the joy of giving at the Wharton ISD administrative offices Wednesday.

The district was holding its first ever Christmas Bazaar, featuring a number of different hand-crafted or assembled items prepared by the district's Pre-school Programs for Children with Disabilities and Academics for Life Classes.

The items ranged from pre-packaged servings of hot chocolate to Santa lamps.

"This was an opportunity for the kids to do some special activities," WISD Director of Special Education Molli Bodungen said.

"And it gives the public an opportunity to appreciate the talents these students have and what they can do."

Most of this year's customers were employees of the district or relatives of the students, many whom arrived to watch their own student perform Christmas carols at various times during the day.

"We're hoping to generate more community interest in the bazaar in the future," Bodungen said.

"But this is our first one. The intent is to make this an annual event."

For those checking out the items available, the reaction was mixed.

"I'm here supporting our PPCD students," Hopper Elementary Counselor Mary Evans said.

"I had no idea there would be such a wide variety of items and I'm quite impressed with the things they've made."

Not surprised was Virginia Muniz, whose grandson is one of the PPCD students at Hopper.

"If you can have one of these kids in your life, you know they have the capability to express themselves in some pretty wonderful and remarkable ways."

Students from all of the WISD campuses participated in preparing the various crafts for the sale and all will benefit from the proceeds, Bodungen said.

She explained the money will go back into the PPCD-Academics for Life budget to purchase additional materials or to fund field trips.

In addition to the student crafts and the holiday "concerts," the bazaar also featured a raffle of various items donated by local merchants.

Bodungen expressed her appreciation to the businesses that donated to the event.