Some people already hear those holiday bells ringing in the distance. For others, the season officially begins on Saturday, Nov. 1 with “Wrap It Up for the Holidays” at beautiful Darlington House, 7441 Olivetas Ave. Chairing the 17th annual benefit is LaVon Skinker of Social Service League of La Jolla. This event benefits low-income retired citizens with meals and pleasant living quarters at League House, built from 1955 to ’75, and also the maintenance of Darlington House, a historical site built over a period of time from 1925 to 1940. Committee members Hetty deJong, Carole Renstrom, Lois Stanton and Nancy Wood have rounded up an impressive list of vendors. Not all are mentioned due to space. At the event, shoppers will experience the thrill of purchasing quality handmade items of name recognition, especially in jewelry. Names include Perles du Monde by Ann Craig, Connee J Designs, Joy Carpenter and silver jewelry at Tanager by Gail Hottle, Judy Judy Judy, hand-painted scarves, Fil Fou Fashions and imported beaded purses by Shakeel’s Concepts. Shoppers will also find items such as Fine English Preserves by Impeccable Taste, and hand-painted candles along with Raggedy Ann memorabilia. An array of gift certificates and merchandise has been donated by local merchants for raffle drawings, which will be held every half hour. At 11 a.m., Anseth Richards of Creative Occasions will offer Christmas tree decorating. At 1 p.m., shoppers will enjoy the whiffs of a food demonstration presented by Chef Bernard Guillas of the Marine Room. Customers will have a brunch of hors d’oeuvres by Culinary Concepts, Giuseppe Fine Catering and Tapenade Restaurant & Catering. Desserts will be furnished by The Cookie Lady and Girard Gourmet, along with home-baked goodies provided by volunteers. With its vendors, Darlington House is transformed into a cozy village in Europe where shoppers may revel in a moment of serenity with the fountain waters, bright-colored tiled patios and a large rose garden. Of historic interest is the fact that in 1927, a group of women from St. James Episcopal Church of La Jolla formed a Social Service Committee and a led a group of choirgirls to participate in charitable projects in the community that extended to making donations to Neighborhood House in East San Diego. In 1929, during the Depression, they devoted themselves to giving food baskets, clothing and home items to needy local residents. In 1929, the Vestry of St. James voted to no longer have the Social Service Committee a part of St. James, thus Social Service League of La Jolla was founded. Many women from St. James are still a part of Social Service League of La Jolla. It has become a viable organization whose goals are to serve the senior citizens at League House and maintain the beauty of Darlington House, which was redecorated in January and February of this year. Hosting this event, weddings and other social functions provides a source of income for their mission. The Nov. 1 event is by invitation only, which can be obtained by calling (858) 454-7625. Tickets in advance are $25, $30 at the door. “Wrap It Up for the Holidays” runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.