Providing sleepwear, books and comfort to children in need nationwide is what the Pajama Program is all about.
Ten years ago, a woman noticed kids in shelters and group homes sleeping in their clothes. She filled a shopping bag with new pajamas and books and began to hand them out to the children, many of whom were abused, abandoned or neglected.
Her non-profit Pajama Program marks its first decade of service in 2011. The celebration kicked off with a series of events on October 1.
The organization has provided 880,000 new pajamas and books to children nationwide since its inception, operating 79 chapters in 42 states throughout the U.S. Pajama Program’s mission is more urgent during the “Danger Season” when the thermostat dips.
The books the children read at bedtime go a long way in improving their reading level. Most have been removed from school for long periods of time and do not have access to books causing their grade reading level to fall below their peers.
Chapter presidents identify what organizations in their communities where children in need are living. Together with volunteers, they organize drives and events to provide these kids with new pajamas and books.
There are more than 513,000 children in the foster care system in the U.S., and more than one million children who are not living with their natural parents. These children have been through a traumatic time and the PJs help ease their fears.
Contact your local chapter to make a donation, find out more information or volunteer to help.
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