FFS Secret Santas Invade Binghamton Malls
By Turner L.
On December 16, The Family Foundation School held its annual Christmas shopping trip to Binghamton to buy presents for their peers. FFS has a tradition in which the students write what they want for Christmas on an index card and another student, their Secret Santa, then shops for them. Students shopped in groups led by a staff.
This year a few unexpected events took place. Lake House staff member James “Willy” Williamson took his group, which consisted of Will H., Blake J., Jesse G., and Turner L., to Burger King for lunch. It just so happened that it was the grand opening for that particular Burger King. Jesse had the privilege of being the first customer in the restaurant and Turner received a “Free BK double stack card” from the owner after wishing him success in his restaurant.
Wilson House staff member Joe Rogalavich took his group, which consisted of Matt W., Josh R., and Ross A., to McDonalds for hot fudge sundaes and cinnamelts on the way home. “The treat was amazing, especially since we had also visited The China Buffet prior to McDonalds. It was two meals in one trip,” exclaimed Matt.
After five lively hours of shopping, the students arrived back to the school and headed for the designated classrooms to wrap their presents. All of the families used caution in wrapping to make sure the Secret Santas were kept secret. “It was really exciting to wrap the gifts I got for my friend. I can’t wait for her to open them on Christmas,” said student Kate D. after setting the presents under the Talbot House tree.
