Displaced children receive pajamas from West Madison
Many children won’t rush down the stairs and unwrap piles of presents from their parents on Christmas morning. To make those children a bit more comfortable, West Madison Elementary School students are doing their part.
The “Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive” was the choice of Kym Mittman’s kindergarten class for its Christmas charity. They invited all West Madison classes to participate.
For Mittman, the drive has personal significance. She is a foster mother. “The cause spoke to my heart,” she said.
Scholastic Corporation, the global leader in publishing children’s books, sponsors the drive. This year, Scholastic’s goal is to help 125,000 children.
“We’re collecting new pajamas for children in group homes, foster care, orphanages” and other facilities, Mittman said. “For each pair of pajamas collected, Scholastic donates a book to go along with the jammies.”
“I love reading, and one of my simple pleasures is going home and getting into my pajamas. Elementary students usually love to read or be read to and will wear their pajamas all day if given the chance,” Mittman said.
“The little children in need don’t have anything, so we are giving them pajamas,” kindergarten student Kamryn Hailey said. Naomi Madkins wanted to help “because some people don’t have clothes. They need something to always wear.”
“It’s for the kids,” kindergarten student Aiden LaPietra. “Some people don’t even have pajamas,” Ethan LaPietra said.
Scholastic creates quality educational materials, including children’s books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher supplies, films and toys. For more information, visit scholastic.com/pjdrive.
In the last two years, classrooms across the country have donated more than 110,000 pairs of pajamas, and Scholastic Book Clubs has matched every pair with a new book.
Residents also can join in and donate pajamas. “We would love any donations from the community,” Mittman said. “All donations must be new pajamas from infant to adult sizes.” The deadline is Dec. 8.
For more information, call 256-837-1189 or send email to kamittman@madisoncity.k12.al.us.
