POLSON – Bleeping their way across the check-out counter, toy after toy was piled into bags, one step closer to their eventual destination in the arms of a child on Christmas morning.

The big spenders behind Friday morning’s frenzied shopping spree at Walmart were 26 St. Ignatius middle school students participating in the popular Dogs with Wings program. The philanthropic initiative works in conjunction with the Polson-based Share the Spirit charity to help make the season special for those in need. Local families facing hard times can apply for Share the Spirit consideration, and if eligible, they then submit “wish list” items from their kids that are placed on trees in area businesses, where good Samaritans can shop on their behalf and deliver their purchases to Share the Spirit headquarters.

On Friday, the warm-hearted kids of St. Ignatius were the ones who stepped up to play the role of Santa.

“We raise money for gifts for troops and kids that can’t afford them otherwise,” said eighth grade participant Trent Shepard.

With a $50 budget designated for each recipient, Shepard and his friend, Jerome Ashley, picked out an assortment of toys, clothing and gum that corresponded to wish list items from the store’s Share the Spirit tree.

Though the toys are sent elsewhere, Dogs with Wings participants also get something out of the deal. For example, Shepard insists that his participation in the program has helped to make him a better-behaved student.

“I used to be kind of a trouble student, but then I joined (this program),” Shepard says of the program that has helped make school more enjoyable.

Dogs with Wings, named for the school’s Bulldog mascot, is in its seventh year of service. Students work both in and out of the classroom to produce hand-made crafts such as wreaths, that are then sold to finance their holiday shopping. Starting last year, the program expanded their focus to benefit men and women in the armed services in addition to local kids.

According to middle school staff member Dorothy von Holtum, “the last few years, we’ve raised over $1,000.” This year’s fundraising went toward helping twelve different children in the area.

“It gets better and better every year,” von Holtum added.

After getting on the bus with the morning’s load of toys and goodies, the students were off to the Share the Spirit collection facility, where volunteers ensure that donations are age-appropriate and equitably distributed.

I think it’s safe to say that most Dogs with Wings have a strong case for making Santa’s “nice” list this year.