On Dec. 9, Rocklin High School’s (RHS) Thunder Galleria turned the small gym into a holiday shop for local elementary students who might not otherwise get many gifts. Kids walked in with play money and walked out with bags of presents for their families and themselves.

“Thunder Galleria is actually the epitome of the season,” RHS activities director John Thompson said.

“It is about giving. It’s about making magical memories for the younger generation.”

– ASB Activities Director John Thompson

In the cafeteria, rows of tables were packed with donated toys, games, clothes and household items, all new or gently used. Rocklin High first reaches out to the community for donations, then works with elementary school principals, who identify underprivileged students and request invitations for them.

Each child receives seven Thunder Bucks to “shop” for seven items of their choice. On top of that, they can take as many books as they want for free. Student volunteers help them browse and choose gifts. After shopping, the kids meet back up with their parents, now carrying wrapped presents for siblings, parents and themselves.

It takes a lot of people to make the night run smoothly. “All 110 Associated Student Body (ASB) members work the event, along with about a dozen adult volunteers who stay involved from planning through cleanup,” Thompson said.

For Thompson, the most powerful moments are often small and quiet. He remembers his office mate, Mrs. Perkins, moved to tears one year. “She was watching a six-year-old kid that you could not have bought more of a precious look on her face, and she just started to bawl,” he said.

For volunteers like senior Jack Grocock, the goal is simple. “I just wanted to give back to the community,” Grocock said. “Seeing them have so much joy is amazing.”