Behavioral Health Associates’ Community Night Holiday Shoppe returned for its second year Monday, offering families a budget-friendly shopping experience while teaching valuable life skills to local students.

Proceeds from the event, hosted in the Willow Academy cafeteria, will benefit Lehighton High School’s Class of 2026.

The Holiday Shoppe, according to organizers, provided an assortment of affordable gifts priced between 25 cents and $15. Attendees browsed through an array of items including toys, jewelry, ornaments, mugs, and gifts for parents, grandparents, and even pets.

“There’s something for everybody,” said Megan Bauder, BHA’s Intensive Social Skills Training program director. “You can take your kids shopping without spending $40 on a sweater for somebody. It’s the thought that counts.”

Bauder said BHA worked with a local company, which supplied the shop items. She emphasized that the event also serves an educational purpose.

“Part of it is life skills for our kids,” she said. “They get to come in and shop. There’s a budget envelope to help break it down, but then they have our support to go through and shop and kind of budget and do the actual checkout on their own.”

The Holiday Shoppe also welcomes the broader community.

“I opened it up for a community night because I think it’s nice for the kids to get out and do it,” Bauder said. “It’s a much nicer shopping experience — it’s not as overwhelming.”

Free gift wrapping was included, ensuring a stress-free evening for families.

Bauder reflected on the first year of the event, which had a surprisingly strong turnout in 2023 despite minimal advertising.

“We didn’t do a whole lot — mostly just social media,” she said. “But our social media director shared it on the Chamber of Commerce page, and people came to check it out.”

Encouraged by last year’s success, the program aims to expand.

“Every year we’re trying to grow it a little bit more,” Bauder said. “This year we added ornaments. You can stop, make an ornament at no cost, grab a hot chocolate, and just enjoy the night.”

The event also provides an opportunity for Lehighton High School students to gain hands-on experience and community service hours.

“The class of 2026, their class officers, and a couple other students are here working,” Bauder noted. “It’s a good way to get them involved.”

The initiative, Bauder said, highlights a dual purpose of fostering community and teaching practical skills.

“My staff and myself truly love what we do, and anything that we can give back, we want to,” she said.