That giving spirit
<p>The Spellman and Schaffer cousins of Coeur d'Alene decided to forego their Christmas presents to each other this year and start a new tradition by contributing to Toys for Tots instead. From left, Emily Spellman, 9, Kaitlyn Spellman, 11, Alyssa Schaffer, 12, Brooklin Shaffer, 12 and Kelsie Spellman, 10, shop at Fred Meyer on Saturday for the nonprofit's campaign.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - This Christmas is about starting a new tradition for the Spellman and Schaffer cousins.
Rather than exchanging gifts as they have in the past, they believed it would be better to give than receive.
The young Coeur d'Alene cousins on Saturday shopped for toys for kids being assisted through Toys for Tots.
"I like the idea that it's not for us, but for somebody else," said Nathan Spellman, 8, as he cruised through the toy aisles at Fred Meyer.
The experience made Kaitlyn Spellman, 11, feel good about herself.
"If you receive something, it makes you think about someone who's not getting it," she said. "I think this is a wonderful idea."
The cousins said they know of children at their school who could use some help at Christmas, so that's part of the reason they chose Toys for Tots to donate to. Each of the kids picked out a gift for a similar-aged child.
Parent Shauna Spellman said her family has been fortunate during the recession and it's nice that the kids have the ability to help others.
"They were excited to do this because they don't need much," she said.
Others who participated in the effort included Kelsie Spellman, 10, Alyssa Schaffer, 12, Brooklin Schaffer, 12, and Emily Spellman, 9.
"I'm proud of them for doing this," said parent Sherri Schaffer.
Parent Petrina Spellman said teaching kids to help others at Christmas is a worthwhile life lesson.
"We're hoping other kids follow through," she said.