Creating a gingerbread village to bring holiday cheer to students

CERRO GORDO, Ill. (WAND) — Making the holiday season extra sweet this year, volunteers at Cerro Gordo Elementary School created a one-of-a-kind experience for students. The hard work of the PTO and various volunteers made it possible for the hallways of the school to turn into the students' sweetest dreams.

Tiffany Miller, the Cerro Gordo PTO President, said, "This year, we decided to decorate the school as gingerbread houses/village to bring some color to the hallways and bring some holiday spirit."

The work to create the winter wonderland took place over the school's Thanksgiving break so when the kids walked through the door to return to school, it would be just like Christmas morning. Every hall is sporting different decorations leaving a surprise around every corner.

"This is the first year I had seen it, and it was amazing to say the least. They were so excited and their comments some of the boys said this must have taken hours and they were just so excited and really liked the candy theme."

The goal of the massive project was to spread joy to students and staff as they prepare for Christmas break.

"Gingerbread spice everyone nice, that's what Bronco spirit is made of."

"I just think it brings so much joy to the kids and teachers."

The whole school coming together for the holidays one sweet treat at a time while promoting kindness.

"I know that I got a lot of thanks you's from the teachers because every time they walk by, they are seeing something different."

This is the second year that the PTO has decked the halls to celebrate the holiday season. Millers hopes to be able to continue this tradition in the future with the help of volunteers.