Mark your calendars and plan to join in on a fun community event that offers a chance to get a head start on holiday shopping. The Kingston Cooperative Preschool Annual Silent Auction takes place 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at Wolfle Elementary School, 27089 Highland Road NE, Kingston.

Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards will be accepted this year. Bidding begins promptly at 1 p.m. Attendance is free.

There are over 275 unique items to bid on including a trip to Wild Horse Resort and Casino in Pendleton, Ore., an estate-planning package from Beebe & Roberts Law Firm, a assortment of items for gardens and gift certificates for restaurants, lodging and entertainment. Complimentary childcare is provided; espresso and baked goods will be available.

There will also be a raffle for five gift baskets, assembled by co-op members, with themes including car care and maintenance, Thanksgiving, camping, and organic bath and spa. Raffle tickets will be sold at Central Market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 28; Kingston Thriftway, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 4; and Kingston Albertsons from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 5. For more information on the preschool auction, call (360) 297-3220.

The preschool, housed in the Old Schoolhouse at Kola Kole Park, extends its thanks to the many local businesses who support it and community members who attend the auction. The auction raises funds for the general operation of the school and early education of countless Kingston children. There are openings in most classes for children ages 15 months to 6 years of age. For more information, call Ann Yurovchak at (360) 297-8840 or visit www.kingstoncooppreschool.com.