Baldwin-Whitehall 5th-graders operating virtual business to showcase products at Handmade Arcade

A group of fifth-graders at Baldwin-Whitehall School District is moving its business online this year just in time for the holidays.

BW Creations, a business selling gifts such as no-contact keychains, clip-on hand sanitizer cases, phone grips and other small items, will make their products available through the twice-yearly Handmade Arcade. The popular market featuring wares from cutting-edge craft-based artists, designers and makers, decided to go virtual this year.

BW’s products will be featured in the Handmade Arcade’s virtual marketplace from Nov. 26 to Dec. 4. But the items can also be purchased on the business’s website.

This year, some of the proceeds from BW’s sales will benefit the Homeless Children’s Education Fund. The Pittsburgh-based organization aims at education for children and youth currently experiencing homelessness in the region.

Kristy Frohliger, a fifth-grade teacher at Whitehall Elementary School, said this school year is the business’s second. She began the club at another school district before moving to Baldwin-Whitehall, she said. In its first year, the group raised $5,000. The money was donated to various organizations, such as the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

This year, somewhat hampered by covid-19, the business has been able to raise $900 since the start of October through mostly local orders for its products. Frohliger said it’s an extracurricular activity, so the students are in charge of sustaining the business and fulfilling orders. But the teacher usually delivers them to customers.

“It’s more work for me, but it’s all good,” she said, adding the group of 15 fifth-graders meets weekly via Zoom meetings to discuss business. Another six students in sixth grade have joined this year to serve as mentors to their younger peers.

“It’s a great learning experience, and they learn a lot,” Frohliger said.