In 2009, Jen Ushe, a teacher at TC Williams High School in Alexandria, VA, and her sister Katie, a local crafter, (shown top right with Katie's son, Isaiah) came up with the idea of starting a charity craft fair. Their hope was to create a local event that the community could enjoy while at the same time helping a community in need. They soon partnered with an organization Jen had worked with in college at the University of Rochester. For the past five years, they have made new friends, inspired students, and created an amazing event for local crafters to sell their wares.
Each year students at TC Williams HS volunteer to help run the craft fair in November. This event host over 45 local vendors selling handmade wares including jewelry, soaps, crocheted items, and much more! Several organizations at TC Williams participate in the craft fair including The Academy of Finance, TC Softball, and the jazz band. Our students play a crucial role in the success of this event.
Proceeds from the craft fair are donated to Joining Hearts and Hands, an organization that promote economic and social improvements in Kenya and Tanzania. Monies raised from the first five years have helped build a form four classroom at The Usambara Girls High School in Tanzania (shown bottom right).
Jen still teaches at TC Williams in the STEM Academy, teaching robotics and sustainability. Katie and her friend, Jackie, have started an online business Three Little Birds Sewing, Co. Their goal is to open a retail space offering personal sewing lessons in Hyattesville, MD. You can contact Katie here for more information.
About the craft fair
