Elementary students to get a lesson in charity, goodwill and economics at Wal Mart

Conclusion of “money” unit combined with Operation Christmas  charitable shopping trip

Fourth grade students at Pieter B. Coeymans will get a real life lesson in mathematics, charity and goodwill, as well as economics Friday in the aisles of Wal Mart.

Armed with calculators, pencils, paper and a shopping list of items that will be donated to needy area families, groups of the 10-year-olds will be let loose in Wal Mart to find the best deals and stick within their budget, said school counselor Laurie Abelson.

About 90 students are involved. They will be divided into groups with $50 budgets.

Everything purchased during the shopping spree will be distributed through the school’s Operation Christmas Program. The program provides disadvantaged families with boxes filled with toiletries, necessities, warm clothing, food and gifts for the Holidays.

“The students will use their math knowledge and shopping for the best buys and at the same time do something wonderful for disadvantaged families,” said Abelson.