There is no better time than now to pick out something special to give to a loved one or a best friend for Christmas. Bird/Morgan, a Monroe One BOCES school in East Rochester, is making sure that its students can spread some joy this holiday season. The school set up a holiday store so that students can shop for free.

Eighth-grader Riley Finnerty is on a shopping trip to find something special for her mom and best friends.

"This is for my mom, it reminds me of her," said Finnerty.

She has plenty to choose from right at school because all of the items in the student store from the jewelry, books, toys, clothing and home decor was donated by school staff, teachers and neighbors.

"I might get this for my grandma," said eighth-grader Shionna Herbert.

Herbert is searching every table for just the right gifts for her family. Shionna and her classmates earned this special shopping spree at the student holiday store for being mindful, respectful and contributing in class.

"Be happy and say thank you," said Herbert.

Bird/Morgan School has about 145 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. All of the students are here for different social-emotional needs.

Assistant Principal Chelsea Kehoe is so proud of the school’s Restorative Champion Team that comes up with all kinds of events and programs to help students do new things together.

"I think the biggest thing is the connections that come in," said Kehoe. "It’s the connections between staff and the connection between staff and students. It is a joy to go into wrapping room because of all of the help that staff is giving the students. That’s the best part of it all is being able to see the relationships that get built during this time."

Herbert said she can’t wait to see the look on her little brother’s face when he opens his gift from her on Christmas morning.

This is the second year for the student holiday store. The school hopes to make it an annual tradition.