Making a list, checking it twice -for other children

By Rose Hooper

Nine-year-old Katie Stafford of Whittier sold hot chocolate, homemade cookies and bundles of mistletoe at the Dillsboro Luminaires to raise money to buy toys for families in need at Christmas.

Last year, during Dillsboro Luminaires the Smokey Mountain Elementary School third-grader set up a stand just beside the Cheddar Box and sold hot chocolate and cookies, netting $170. Katie and her mom, Sue, took the money to Wal-Mart where they purchased a shopping cart full of Junior Doctor playsets, footballs, Barbie and Ken dolls, cosmetic kits and other toys.

Mother and daughter then took their stash to Whittier United Methodist Church's Toys for Tots collection, which were distributed locally to families in need. "Christmas is Jesus's birthday; that's why I like to get the presents, so everybody can share in the celebration," said Katie, who loves the Christmas season.

This year during the four nights of the Luminaires, Katie once again set up her stand in the same place and sold hot chocolate and homemade peanut butter, chocolate chip and M&M cookies. She also added mistletoe to her selection.

"My dad (Huey Stafford) cut the mistletoe down, and I made the bundles to sell at $1 each," said this young entrepreneur.

Selling the $1 bundles, hot chocolate for 50 cents and cookies for 50 cents, Katie earned $344.

"I'd like to thank all the people who helped me raise the money," she said. "Some people who bought from me last year came back and bought again this year. Her mom, who manages the Cheddar Box, told her those are called "repeat customers."

The cold nights helped sell the hot chocolate, Katie said. "One man gave me 50 cents and told me, ŒEnjoy your hot chocolate.' He bought it for me; that was really nice."

A young boy a few years older than Katie picked up a bundle of mistletoe and held it over her head. "He told me he wanted to see if it worked before he bought any," said Katie, who made a quick retreat inside the Cheddar Box when he tried to kiss her.

Katie believes her math skills have improved over the year. "One of my first customers was a lady who gave me a $20 bill, and I had to count back all that change."

In the alcove of the Cheddar Box and the Corn Crib, Katie fought off the chilling winds, but the temperatures were still cold, she will tell you.

"One night I forgot my gloves and had to borrow some from the lady at the Corn Crib," said Katie, who took them off each time she poured hot chocolate.

Her grandmother, Joyce Steicher of Whittier, made sandwiches to sustain young Katie during the late evening working hours and one night they splurged and ordered "hot pizza."

With the $344 in hand, mom and daughter will once again head to Wal-Mart to purchase toys for all age children. For the younger children, Katie will buy ABC chalkboards. Barbie and Ken dolls are still a favorite, said Katie, who is only puzzled over what to get "older boys." Footballs are a sure standby, she thinks. Then they will load up all the toys and take them to church for a wrapping party. After that, the church's outreach committee will distribute them as part of the Toys for Tots program.

"I'll sell hot chocolate and cookies again next year, for sure," said Katie, who will also sell the mistletoe "if I have the guts."

Back to Archive: 12/21/00.