Bartlett Center’s Holiday Mart offers gifts and business lesson

By Kendra Simpson

Some local kids got to experience first hand what it takes to own and operate your own business at the Bartlett Center’s very first Holiday Mart.

The non-profit hosted the Holiday Mart to raise funds for their upcoming holiday party on Dec. 20.

“When we were looking at the budget, there really isn’t enough extra money to host (the party) this year,” Bartlett Center’s Executive Director LaTonya Williams said.

Knowing the budgetary limitations, the Bartlett Center decided to host its 1st annual Holiday Mart to ensure all of its students get to celebrate the holidays together.

Shoppers had a variety of home made crafts and baked goods to choose from for stocking stuffers and presents for the upcoming holidays. The bartlett center students even got to sell products they made themselves.

“I think it’s an extra time, you know, to bring the kids out in order to let them know the joys and the downfalls of a business,” Williams said. “And then to be able to make some extra money in order to host a community party.”

Thanks to donations from local businesses, within an hour of opening, the holiday mart had already raised over 400 dollars toward their 500 dollar goal.

“I’ve had a couple of organizations contact me to donate $100 apiece and that’s like amazing,” Williams said. “We’re really, really excited and so I think we’re on our way in order to earning enough.”

With this successful event, it looks like the Bartlett Center will be have everything they need for a happy holiday.