National Non-Profit Pajama Program Teams Up With Carter's to Provide Pajamas, Books for Children in Need

NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pajama Program, a national non-profit that provides at-risk children with books and pajamas, today announced that it received a donation of more than $500,000 in products and $100,000 in cash from Carter's, the leading children's apparel manufacturer. Through its "Cuddles from Carter's" corporate program and in-store and online customer donations, Carters helped raise funds for the thousands of children living in foster care, temporary housing and homeless shelters across the country.

"We are overwhelmed by this donation and thrilled with the response that "Cuddles from Carter's" elicited," said Genevieve Piturro , founder of Pajama Program. "Thanks to the generosity of the company and its customers, this winter thousands of children who normally go without a warm set of pajamas or a book to read will finally know what it means to feel safe, secure and loved."

From October 3rd to December 31st, Carter's made a special appeal to its customers, urging them to help support the organization. The donations come at a critical time for the Pajama Program. October 1st marked the beginning of "Danger Season," a time when the temperatures drop and the harsh winter months set in. Pajama Program aims to heighten public awareness about the importance of providing warm, clean nighttime clothing and books to children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected and often live in housing without adequate heat.

"At Carter's, we are focused on the needs of young children. We are proud to be working with Pajama Program to clothe children in extreme need," said Michael D. Casey , chairman and C.E.O. of Carter's.

Statistics on Children & Homelessness:

Recent studies from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Family Homelessness Organization show that the recent economic downtown and foreclosure crisis in the United States have played a significant role in the rising numbers of children considered at risk.

• In the United States, more than 500,000 children are currently living in a shelter or foster care
• Among industrialized nations, the United States has the largest number of homeless women and children
• Homeless families comprise roughly one third of the total homeless population with 42% of the children in homeless families under the age of six

About Carter's, Inc.
Carter's, Inc. is a leading provider of apparel and related products exclusively for babies and young children.  The Company owns the Carter's and OshKosh B'Gosh brands, two of the most recognized brands in the marketplace.  These brands are sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally.  The brands are also sold through more than 500 Company-operated stores and on-line at www.carters.com and www.oshkoshbgosh.com.  The Company's Just One You , Precious Firsts, and Genuine Kids brands are available at Target, and its Child of Mine brand is available at Walmart.  Carter's is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.  Additional information may be found at www.carters.com and www.oshkoshbgosh.com.

About The Pajama Program
The Pajama Program is a 501(c)3 organization,  dedicated to delivering new, warm pajamas and books to children in need, many who are without parents and/or permanent homes. Since 2001, The Pajama Program has provided one million new pajamas and books to children nationwide. To learn more, visit www.pajamaprogram.org.

SOURCE Pajama Program