CHARLEVOIX — This week -- Charlevoix second-graders hit the aisles of Walmart with one mission to buy as many toys as possible for local families in need.

Each group of students was given 700 dollars to spend thanks to donations from local businesses, families, and Walmart, which chipped in an extra $4,000.

Second-grade teacher Chris Isch said this tradition goes far beyond just filling shopping carts.

“It’s usually, the first time that some of the kids realize that their friends live different lifestyles than they do. So, this is a huge project in just allowing the kids to think differently about their friends and put themselves in different positions.”

The effort is part of the Charlevoix community Christmas Project, a long-standing organization that distributes toys to families acro

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