This holiday season, Baldwin schools made remarkable contributions to the community and beyond. Through various initiatives, such as collections and fundraisers for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, Thanksgiving food drives, and clothing drives, students, families, and staff have united to promote the spirit of giving. These efforts by the Baldwin Union Free School District exemplify the community’s generosity and active involvement.
Baldwin High School
Beyond traditional fundraisers and food drives, the Baldwin High School community came together to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa. Student Government hosted a spirit day in which staff donated funds to support Jamaica relief efforts. The Key Club and Haitian Caribbean Club organized bake sales, while Adeline Scibelli, varsity cheerleading coach, and the varsity cheerleaders collected items to be sent to Jamaica. Collectively, the high school raised nearly $600 for the Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans at Home (JAHJAH) Foundation.
Additionally, from late November through December, the Baldwin High School Mentor Program led its “Mentors Give Back” initiative. Students in the Life Skills program visited classrooms during homeroom to sell keychains, with proceeds supporting Jamaica relief efforts.
Baldwin Middle School
Baldwin Middle School demonstrated its commitment to compassion and global citizenship through the National Junior Honor Society’s “Help Heal Jamaica Hurricane Relief Drive.” Requested items included toiletries, baby supplies, non-perishable foods, household essentials, and clothing for men, women, and children. The school community collected essential supplies, resulting in four barrels of aid sent to Jamaica for families affected by Hurricane Melissa. NJHS Advisor Laurie Tricamo praised the community’s inspiring support, while Erica Taylor emphasized that such initiatives teach children values like kindness and empathy. This drive not only provided critical assistance but also reinforced the school’s mission to cultivate compassionate leaders.
Brookside Elementary School
At Brookside, a clothing FUNdraiser took place for families to donate clothing and other household items. The fundraiser not only helped those in need but also strengthened the bonds within the Brookside community, reminding everyone of the joy that comes from giving and connecting with one another.
Lenox Elementary School
Lenox hosted a “Thanksgiving Pajama Day Fundraiser,” where students and staff were encouraged to wear pajamas in exchange for a suggested $2 donation, although any contribution was welcomed. Through the outstanding participation, Lenox was able to provide Thanksgiving meals and holiday assistance to families in need within the community. In addition, throughout the holiday season, Lenox also collected school supplies to aid schools affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Meadow Elementary School
After Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica and forced her family to cancel their annual trip, Meadow Elementary PTA mom Christina Espeut was inspired by her 10-year-old daughter Caelyn’s question—“How can we help?”—to launch a school-wide relief effort. With support from Meadow Elementary principal, PTA, students, parents, and the wider Baldwin community, donations quickly poured in.
Plaza Elementary School
At Plaza Elementary School, the spirit of giving and community support was evident throughout the holiday season. The “Plaza’s Giving Flight” initiative empowered families with gift cards from stores like Target and Walmart, allowing them to choose what they needed most, whether it was a can of soup or a $5 card. The school community also showed its caring nature through the “Plaza Cares” program, supporting Saint Christopher’s Outreach with acts of kindness. Plaza’s Student Council also organized a drive for supplies for families affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and locally, partnered with Bethlehem Assembly of God for a successful Thanksgiving Drive, ensuring local families had what they needed for a meaningful celebration.
Steele Elementary School
Steele has been actively giving back to the community through various initiatives. From a carwash to clothing drives, the elementary school worked with the PTA to give back in numerous ways. For instance, local Chipotle and Applebee’s locations partnered with the school for fundraising events, where a portion of sales supported school programs. For Thanksgiving, they orchestrated a Canned Foods Drive, inviting students and their families to donate non-perishable items to help stock local food pantries. Steele also supported those in need through a Carecycle Clothing Drive Fundraiser, as well as a traditional Winter Clothing Drive.
