South Whidbey Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Association raised just over $400 during its second annual Holiday Market Dec. 13.

The bazaar-style market featured handmade local goods from 24 vendors, most of whom reside on Whidbey.

According to PTA president Kymy Johnson, this year’s event featured everything from character hats to up-cycled furniture, driftwood decor, ornaments, photography and painting. The school’s Winter Festival was also incorporated.

“We really wanted to focus on buying local, buying handmade, supporting community members,” Johnson said.

About 100 people came by to shop, she added, guessing that there likely would have been more had there not been a heavily destructive storm the night prior.

The PTA will use the funds to sponsor things such as art supplies for the volunteer art docent program. Johnson explained that the school district no longer has a formal art program due to budget cuts. The PTA has established a program in which parents and volunteers like Johnson and others stop by classrooms twice a month or so to lead artistic activities.

The PTA also raises funds to help acquire buses for school field trips. Johnson said kids were once able to take public transit to places like the outdoor classroom on Maxwelton Road, but with Island Transit’s recent cuts, students must use school buses instead.

In addition, the PTA holds free family fun nights with movies and games and, whenever possible, provides grants for classrooms and teachers. The PTA has also purchased the script for the school’s annual musical. Johnson said the musical is unique because, aside from its entertainment value, it also incorporates the school’s 7 Habits with lessons in subjects like anti-bullying.