Many people struggle to decide what to buy for others during the holidays. Plus, shopping is made that much more difficult by the crazy crowds and jacked-up prices. Benjamin, however, has a solution: White Wednesday.

The School invites dozens of vendors into the gymnasium during the first Wednesday of December each year to sell their wares to the TBS community. There are literally hundreds of items shoppers can buy – from candies and candles to hot plates and hair products – the White Wednesday event offers something for everyone. Local vendors are able to promote their businesses and sell affordable gifts while students are able to shop conveniently on their own campus.

“I bought gifts for my grandmother, my mom, and myself,” said sixth grader Ignas Berciunas. “I ended up buying a shirt picture frame, and a new mousepad for my mom. I did like being able to shop at school because it was a lot less crowded.”

Eighth grader Nicolas Lama explained, “Ever since I was little, I have always loved [this event] and the opportunity to do some holiday shopping at school. I bought a necklace for my mom which I know she will love.”

White Whispers is the event that takes place the Tuesday evening before for TBS families, faculty, and staff, allowing them a sneak peek at the merchandise (and, of course, the option to buy!). Kids Korner, held on White Wednesday, which happened to be December 3 this year, allows the lower school students to come with their teachers and purchase gifts with money they’ve brought from home. The teachers help the students shop and a portion of the proceeds goes towards BASH (Building a Scholastic Heritage), Benjamin’s fund-raising organization which hosts Benjamin’s BASH Gala, the School’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Kids Korner has been going on for a number of years and was created not only to give our children the chance to think of others and purchase holiday gifts for friends and family, but to help out the local vendors who sell their goods.

“Previously there was only a shopping opportunity called Kid’s Corner,” said Head of Middle School Charles Hagy. “It used to be only kids who shopped, but now, the adults can shop as well [at White Whispers and White Wednesday]. [So] I think there has been an upgrade in merchandise because parents can shop, too. I am very happy that our vendors are willing to do this for the School.”

Stephanie Kline, a parent of three Benjamin School students, helps organize the event.

“Because mainstream America has black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and a few other days, we decided that we would call our event White Wednesday so that we can embrace diverse cultures and holidays at The Benjamin School,” said Kline.

Kline also explained the history of the event and what it means to the Benjamin community.

“White Wednesday has only been in effect for the last four years. However, Kids Corner has been a long-standing tradition. We have participated every year of my 12 years at the school. It gives [members of the TBS community] a chance to give from the heart a gift that will be treasured by the receiver. It is in giving that we ultimately receive. We are so thankful for everyone’s support for this day!”