Baldwin High School Students Give Children in Need a Happy Halloween

This Halloween season, students in Baldwin High School’s Fashion 1 class turned their sewing lessons into something truly special—bringing smiles to children in need. Through a creative community service project, the students used their hand-stitching and sewing machine skills to craft colorful felt monster stuffed animals for families supported by the Bethany House, a local non-profit organization that assists women and children experiencing homelessness as they work toward more stable housing.

The initiative reflects the district’s commitment to its “students as producers” and civics-based learning goals, showing how Baldwin’s fashion program equips students with practical, real-world skills that can lead to future career opportunities.

Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Analisa Giannone shared her enthusiasm for the project. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to guide students through projects that blend creativity, compassion, and skill-building,” she said. “Teaching the importance of serving our community is just as valuable as mastering sewing techniques and I’m so fortunate to have achieved both through this program.”

Students began by selecting monster patterns, then applied classroom techniques to bring their designs to life—stitching seams, using poly-fil stuffing, and adding their own creative touches. More than 30 unique stuffed monsters were made by students in grades 9 through 12.

Ms. Giannone first introduced this initiative two years ago, her first-year teaching at Baldwin High School, when her students created stuffed dolls for the Baldwin Public Library. Those dolls were gifted to children in the library’s youth section along with checked-out books. Inspired by its success, she decided to continue the tradition this year with her “Fashion I” students—this time focusing on supporting Bethany House families.

The handcrafted monster dolls will be donated to Bethany House just in time for Halloween. Both the organization and the families it serves expressed heartfelt gratitude for the thoughtful gesture, noting that the handmade creations will bring comfort and joy long after the spooky season ends.

The Baldwin High School fashion program is divided into three levels: Fashion 1, Fashion 2 (Advanced Clothing), and Fashion 3 (Detail Garment). This semester, we’re running Fashion 1 and Fashion 2, and Fashion 3 will begin next semester. Approximately 50 students contributed to this year’s Halloween stuffies endeavor.

As the year continues, the aspiring fashion designers will advance their sewing and design skills by creating garments such as tote bags, t-shirts, and original pieces that will be showcased in a fashion show we’ll be hosting later this year. Select looks from the show will also be donated to Bethany House, continuing the commitment to creativity and community service.

This project was also covered by 1010 WINS.