MADISON – A rummage sale on Nov. 23 will translate into Christmas cheer for disadvantaged students at Heritage Elementary School.

Students run laps earlier this year at Heritage Elementary School. (CONTRIBUTED)

Heritage’s rummage sale will be held Saturday from 7:30 to 10 a.m. in the cafeteria. Heritage PTA is coordinating the event.

“We’ll have lots of clothes, games, books, sports equipment and household appliances,” principal Dr. Georgina Nelson said. “We’re accepting donations from the community during school hours via the front office staff and until 6 p.m. through Friday at our extended day entrance.”

To schedule pickup of large items, individuals can email to pta_heritage@yahoo.com. Following the rummage sale, any unsold items will be disbursed to local charities.

“Select James Clemens High School students will be involved as part of service learning projects,” Nelson said. “We’re working with school administrators and various club and team sponsors to schedule students to assist with the sale, setup and take down.”

Heritage clubs also will help, including RUFF (Ready yoUrself For the Future), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beta Club, Honor Society and Harmony Club.

For these students, the sale “is an opportunity to give back to their community by helping receive donations, tag items, setup and take down, as well as during the sale,” Nelson said. Participation isn’t required, but team sponsors and parents in the Heritage family have been enthusiastic.

“Most classrooms will ‘adopt’ one of our students and provide gifts and needed clothing,” Nelson said. “The classrooms enjoy the sense of giving back, especially knowing it’s going to a family within our own community.”

Heritage counselor Kellen Conaway will help in identifying students to receive gifts by teacher referrals and needs that parents have stated. Families also are crossed-referenced with local charities to confirm they aren’t receiving other assistance.

PTA secret shoppers will use proceeds to buy gifts. Recipients remain anonymous.

Heritage PTA officers are president Melissa Price, secretary Jessica Schram, treasurer Stacy Rogers and coordinator for volunteers Heather Kingsley; membership, Sarah Brewer; fundraising, Terrie Regensburger; and communications, Ashley Brown and Jennifer Shah.