Little Shoppers Youngsters Learn The Art Of Giving At The Santa Express, Where With Help They Can Find Gifts For Those On Their Lists

“I think I’ll get my dad this dinosaur,” said a grinning blond boy, about 7 years old.

His older sister had other ideas.

“You got him one of those last year,” she said sternly.

“Yeah, well, not like this one,” he said.

Decisions come easy for some of the season’s smallest shoppers.

It was the day after Thanksgiving - the busiest shopping day of the year - and NorthTown Mall was crammed with consumers.

Kids were caught up in the buying frenzy, too, fidgeting as they waited to get into The Santa Express, a store that caters exclusively to ages 12 and under. Proceeds from sales at The Santa Express benefit The Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, a program designed to help prevent child abuse.

Now in its fifth year, Santa Express is proving its worth. The event raised more than $33,000 last year, and organizers hope to meet a goal of $35,000 this season.

It looks as though they are well on the way to reaching that mark. In its first hour, The Santa Express did a record business, helping 56 children fill their Christmas lists.

“It’s one of our biggest fund-raisers of the year,” said Kelly McPhee of the crisis nursery. “But it also helps teach kids that it’s nice to give gifts, too.”

Here’s how this pint-size shopper’s paradise works: Mom or Dad tells one of the Santa’s helpers whether the children will be shopping for Grandma, Uncle Fred or siblings. Once that list is compiled, the kids disappear behind a curtain in the gift-filled room with their designated elf.

These volunteers, mostly high school students, help children chose between all sorts fo tempting goodies priced between 25 cents and $5.

Lisa Clarizio has volunteered for the past three years. This year, she convinced fellow members of the Future Business Leaders at Central Valley High School to join her. Like a benevolent big sister, Clarizio tousled the hair of some of her charges and gently steered them to gifts that fit their budget. She quizzed them about their parents’ interests and expressed empathy by adding, “Yeah, dads are really hard to shop for.”

Some tiny shoppers are decisive, while others like to dawdle.

On that first day, there certainly was lots to see. Tables were heaped with finger puppets, fragrant candles, bubble-bath fragrances, key chains, golf balls, earrings that jingle, toy cars, candles, magnets and ornaments. Not surprisingly, the butterfly catcher set wasn’t a big seller. Not this time of year.

A few of the wide-eyed youngsters acted like the proverbial kid in a candy store.

“A lot of the kids will ask if they can buy something for themselves if they have money left over,” said Clarizio. The answer is yes, but it’s not encouraged.

And then there are children who are sure that their parents would appreciate this toy or that.

When Clarizio teamed up with another brother and sister, they each picked out one of those gadgets that moos or mews when you turn it over. Just what Mom has always wanted.

But then again, it’s the thought that counts.

“It’s fun to watch how excited they get about buying their own gifts,” said Angie Petro, chairwoman of this year’s event.

It’s funny to see those slender fingers clutching $20 bills as the children line up with their purchases.

After the sales are made, volunteers help the children wrap their presents.

Clarizio asked some of the older kids if they needed help filling out the gift tags or whether they wanted to write their own names. The words formed on one girl’s lips as she carefully filled in her gift tags.

After the shoppers choose a color of ribbon to tie up their boxes or bags, they’re reunited with their parents, who have been waiting on the other side of the curtain.

“What did you get?” asked one mother.

“You’ll have to wait until Christmas to see,” her daughter replied.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: WHEN AND WHERE The Santa Express is open from noon to 9 p.m.: Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 23. It is located on the second floor of NorthTown Mall, behind the food court in the southwest corner. For more information, call 535-3155.