Elizabeth Karowe, Nederland. The hot cocoa stand was busy with customers. The snack table was filled with treats. The room was filled with excitement and gratitude. It was Saturday, October 11, at Elsa’s Pop-up Shop -- a chance for kids to raise money for their favorite non-profit and for themselves.  About seven kids 4th grade and under got together to sell dinosaurs, cookies, brownies, Halloween costumes, books, lemonade, toys, clothes, outdoor gear, and more. 

“I got the idea from my friend, Claudia,” said Elsa Richardson, a Nederland Elementary 3rd grader. “She had some old stuff that she didn’t need so she asked me if I wanted to do a little shop. I said yes and I asked other people to come and volunteer to have other stores.”

It was fun and the kids learned how to sells things. They practiced making change and finding customers.

Dylan Karowe said, “I learned you need to buy things in order to keep business going. Like cups for cocoa!”

“My friend got one hundred dollars,” said Elsa. “I’ve made $43 so far.” 

Elsa’s Pop-up Shop was held in an empty business space at Caribou Village Shopping Center. Claudia Schauffler, Elsa’s friend and owner of The Shop, got permission from property owner, Steven Tebo, who asked that “rent” be a donation to Wild Bear or the Carousel. The kids all agreed to donate 10 percent of what they earned.

“I’m saving up for French horn lessons,” said Elsa.

“I want to thank my sister for helping me,” said Elsa. “Also, Claudia, my friends, and my parents.”

Elizabeth Karowe is a second grader at Nederland Elementary School.

(Originally published in the October 17, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)