One Stop Christmas Shop to bring craft lovers this weekend
Published 9:11 am Wednesday, November 14, 2018
- Metro Image
For those looking for a place to grab a special gift for the holiday season, IJ Holton Intermediate School probably has some treasures waiting for the right person to come get them, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, inside IJ Holton’s cafeteria and gymnasium.
The purpose of the One Stop Christmas Shop was to help fundraise for students. Proceeds from the sales would go toward the general fund, or be used to help with obtaining school supplies, busing for field trips and more.
This year marked the fourth anniversary of the One Stop Christmas Shop being held at IJ Holton. Karla Dooley, the original creator of the event and administrative assistant at IJ Holton, had started the fundraiser at Sumner Elementary before bringing the fun over to IJ Holton. More than 50 local craft vendors are anticipated to display their wares for customers this weekend. From clothing to pictures to scarves and knick knacks to soaps and blankets, there’s bound to be a special gift for a loved one that will be on display at the One Stop Christmas Shop.
Students will also be selling concessions at the event to help feed any hungry patrons during the event.
“It’s been a good event for most of the vendors throughout the years and usually takes several months planning,” Dooley said. “We would love to fill up the whole building.”
Taking over the reins as the organizer for the second year in a row, Annette Huffman shared that she started off as a vendor before taking on the responsibilities of running the show.
“Last year, I reached out to Karla and asked about the IJ Holton show,” Huffman said. “She had so much going on, and had asked for someone to take over. So, I took that on. It went pretty smoothly, and I think the experience of going to shows and being a vendor made the transition a little more easier.”
Huffman shared that for those who are new and unfamiliar with the One Stop Christmas Shop, it’s a time to help students, but also take in the holiday spirit.
“There’s just so many varieties of things, and I think it’s one of those shows that the people of Austin look forward to every year and it’s the start of the holiday season,” she said. “It’s one of those sales that you don’t want to miss.”