Experiencing the joy a child receives when they have the opportunity to give back to their parent is the reason Angela Turner has continued to offer the Elf Shop — a seasonal store where children can come and shop for gifts for their family.

“One teenage girl came in one year and said it was the first time she had ever, ever been able to buy something for her mother,” Turner said.

The Elf Shop, which will be opened from 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays will be available for local children Dec. 7 through 20 inside the Nelson Cotton building at 1501 Washington St.

It was four years ago that Turner started the Elf Shop — an idea she had seen while visiting in Dallas.

“They had a similar place there, so I thought it would be nice to have one here in Vicksburg, Turner said, of the shop which is stocked with gifts and sundries.

Children are greeted by a special Santa helper when they arrive, Turner said, who then helps the child go through the shop and pick out items for their parents or siblings — allowing children to choose a gift while still keeping it a surprise.

After the child has made their selection, they will then pay for the gifts.

Items in the gift shop, which include coffee mugs, watches, cell phone cases and jewelry cost no more than $5 each, Turner said.

The experience of the Elf Shop continues, as the child will then take their purchases to a gift-wrapping station.

“Once a child leaves the Elf Shop their gifts will be ready to take home and put under the tree.”

Turner single handedly takes on all the financial responsibility of purchasing the items that are for sale at the shop.

“I buy items throughout the year,” she said.

This year, in addition to the Elf Shop offering kids the chance to shop for their loved ones, they will also have the opportunity to take home a backpack filled with goodies.

The children must attend a program on the true meaning of Christmas, Turner said, which will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday and at 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 12.

The backpacks have been donated by the Mountain of Faith Ministries and will be presented by the Vicksburg Association for Women.

For more information or to volunteer to be a Santa’s helper, call 601-456-1499.