The Thomas Hunter Middle School PTA will open its annual Elf Shelf on Monday morning on the stage of the school’s multipurpose room.

The Elf Shelf is a shop where Lee-Jackson Elementary and Thomas Hunter students may shop for gifts for their friends and family. The shop has a variety of items varying in prices from 25 cents to $11.50.

There are items for children and adults. Some of the gifts are specific to family members like “Mom,” “Grandpa,” etc., while others are more generic. The majority of the gifts are under $5 and gift bags and labels are available to the buyers so that they can keep their gifts a secret.

The Elf Shelf serves both as a fundraiser for the THMS PTA while, at the same time, providing young shoppers with an opportunity to participate in the spirit of giving.

Most of the students come through the shop during school hours, but the shop is also open from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, so that adults can supervise and help young shoppers make wise decisions.

The THMS PTA invites parents and grandparents who are available during Elf Shelf hours to volunteer a bit of time to help the students with their gift lists and money. For information on how to lend a hand, e-mail PTA treasurer Melissa Maggioncalda at Melissa.maggioncalda@gmail.com or leave a message at 804-505-1193.

Elf Shelf hours are 7:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 7:45-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday and 7:45 a.m.-noon on Friday.