Teachers and staff at Booker T. Washington Elementary School are inviting families to enjoy a bright, fun-filled holiday evening at the school.

Teachers Jennifer Owens and Christy Whitener will organize the “Garden of Lights” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. this Thursday. The free, public family engagement event combines the school’s Give the Gift of Reading activities with their lit-up garden in the school courtyard.

“This is our big December celebration,” said Principal Lori Mounie.

Students and teachers will work together to fill the courtyard with lit reindeer, snowmen and other Christmas decorations.

Parents and their children will select the best books from a large selection to gift wrap and enjoy over winter break, Mounie said.

“We’ll have teachers help with book selections to make sure it’s appropriate for the child,” she said.

Children will be able to take pictures with Santa Claus and craft their own holiday gifts. They’ll enjoy cookies and $1 pizza slices.

Holland’s Produce, Birdsong Peanuts, Johnson’s Gardens and other local businesses donated raffle prizes. Among the prizes will be a complete holiday meal, a gift basket and one bike each for a boy and a girl.

Mounie said the whole school will come together as one family for the evening.

“It’s truly a family feel,” she said. “Everyone always remembers the things we do together as a community.”

Call 934-6226 for more information.