Shop 'Til You Drop at Husky Holiday Mart

Every year,  hosts the Husky Holiday Mart to help families make a dent in their holiday shopping early, while a percentage of the proceeds benefit the school.

On Nov. 13, the Flint Hill Parents Association will continue the tradition from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the upper campus, with more than 40 new and returning vendors in attendance for this year's event.

Admission is free and organizers estimate more than 900 shoppers typically attend. Fifteen percent of all vendor sales go directly to FHS.

Vendors, many of whom are local artisans or are representing specialty boutiques, will be offering a huge variety of jewelry, gifts, stationery, home accessories, hostess gifts, designer clothing and accessories.

Some Oakton vendors participating Saturday are and .

In the "Husky Hundred Hall," located on the upper floor/science hallway, parent-led booths will feature a bake sale and a variety of class-sponsored items, with 100 percent of all sales going to the school. Look for poinsettia and holiday wreaths; baskets of tea, cookie mixes, soups and dips, and gourmet pretzels; "green" household products; and Husky spiritwear.

Samantha Eustace, FHS' director of constituent relations, said all funds will go to the school's areas of greatest need, with students directly benefitting from all monies raised.

"The fundraising aspect of this event is of course an important goal," Eustace said, "but the real goal of the event is really more about community-building, both within the school's community of families and for the surrounding neighborhoods."

In line with that community relations goal, the event will provide far more than just an opportunity to shop. At noon, attendees will be treated to a live performance by the FHS Jazz Band, and the Symphonic Band will perform at 1 p.m.

Kids' Corner will give children the opportunity to do their own holiday shopping, with volunteer "personal shoppers" helping them select and wrap gifts for family, friends, pets and teachers. All gifts will be priced $1 to $20, and a craft and face-painting area will also be provided.

Planners have introduced several new creature comforts this year, with a "Paws-A-While Café," which will offer beverages, snacks, and breakfast and lunch treats to hungry shoppers; a complimentary bag and coat check to lighten everyone's load; and a "Dad's Den" in the faculty lounge, where dads and other adults can take a break and catch up on college football games.

For more information about the Husky Holiday Mart, and to see a complete list of participating vendors, visit http://www.flinthill.org/podium/default.aspx?t=124181.