After a successful first year of the Holiday Market, Valley Forge Elementary School parents are gearing up for another one for the 2019 year, working to raise money for their teachers.

Hannah Hill and April Andrews said they already have plans to improve and expand on what the market is all about.

“We are hoping to expand the gym,” Hill said.

The market brings dozens of local vendors into the elementary school as a fundraiser. Part of the proceeds go towards the Valley Forge Parent Involvement, which works to assist teachers with supplies they may not be able to obtain without spending their own money.

Among these vendors will be comedian Marge, from Marge and in Charge’s Facebook page.

“We raise money for needs the teachers cannot meet,” Hill said.

This can be anything, from as small as extra pens and paper to something as large as an ice maker.

“We also feed the teachers twice a year,” Andrews said.

The event is also a way for local businesses to reach out to potential new customers who might not have heard of them before.

“We have one person who makes homemade bows,” Andrews said. “We are hoping to get a lady who makes aprons.”

She said many of these vendors take orders, so attendees at the market can place orders for later if it is more convenient.

“The merchants are also great for gifts,” Hill said.

The organization exists independently of the school itself, and over the years they said their efforts have both been noticed and greatly appreciated.

“We know we are appreciated,” Andrews said.

The organization has been so successful, some teachers support them when they put on similar events, such as Jamie Oliver and Jenny Weir.

In addition to the market, they said they are planning to put on a Holiday Night in December as another fundraiser.

“We love seeing people support local businesses,” Andrews said.

Hill said anyone interested in attending or volunteering would be a big help.

“We would love for them to come and buy something,” she said.

The market will take place Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valley Forge Elementary School. For more information about the market or to volunteer, contact Hill at 423-895-4888.