Students Get Crafty for Kids with Only Make Believe

The D’Amour Center for Faith, Service & Justice was a flurry of googly eyes, glittering plastic gems, and glue last week as students crafted for a cause. The cast and crew of the upcoming Fall Play (Peter Pan: Non-Flying Version!) and others spent a sunny Sunday afternoon making costumes and props for Only Make Believe (OMB). This non-profit, closely connected to the world of professional theater, introduces children living with chronic illnesses and disabilities to the magic of the dramatic arts.

Founded in 1999 by Dena Hammerstein, daughter-in-law of the late Broadway legend Oscar Hammerstein, OMB sends professional actors to visit children in hospitals and care facilities throughout Washington, D.C., and New York. Performers use one-of-a-kind items made by volunteers to put on an interactive show for the children, who can choose a favorite costume to keep. Kids are then invited to create their own character and join the performance. This unconventional version of live theater provides opportunities for children facing extraordinary challenges to get creative, be included, and have lots of fun!

Holly Fedorcik P ’26, ’29, a member of Canterbury’s Board of Trustees and the National Board of OMB, was on hand to offer students advice on how to make original, durable creations. Most of the costumes our Saints made were imaginative baseball caps— a variety of silly and sweet designs, including friendly monsters, cute animals, and Sesame Street characters. Students were so inspired and enthusiastic, reports Director of the D’Amour Center Josh Leeuw, that by the end of the afternoon, they had used almost all of the crafting supplies!

“I think OMB was a great organization to work with,” says Liam Hamlet ’27, who created four different costumes. “It gives kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity a chance to dress up and have fun. I hope the costumes we made bring happiness to the kids and help them feel seen.”

“It was an incredible afternoon filled with creativity, energy, and smiles,” says Co-Director of Theater Keiko Mathewson. “The best part was seeing our students discover creative talents they didn't believe they had, and make costumes that will mean so much to a child.”

We hope the children who receive the costumes enjoy playing in them as much as Canterbury students enjoyed making them!