Pajama Program Sets Goal to Collect 125,000 New Pajamas and Books for Children at Risk
Celebrated National Non-Profit Aims to Combat "Danger Season"
NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures continue to dip, the nation's homeless children are feeling the frigid effects of the winter months identified by the non-profit Pajama Program as "Danger Season." With a staggering 1.5 million children living in homeless shelters and temporary housing, too many of these children sleep in coats and pants because they don't own even one pair of pajamas. In addition to raising awareness for these children at risk, the non-profit has set a new goal to collect 125,000 new pajamas and books between December 14, 2011 and March 31, 2012, with its national sponsors Carter's and Scholastic leading the way.
The New York Times reported on September 8, 2011 that a fifth of the nation's children are living in poverty. In today's devastating economy, as families suffer under the weight of joblessness, low wages and the housing crisis, it is the youngest members of American society who are most affected.
Celebrating a decade of giving, the beloved non-profit has given one million new pajamas and books to children waiting and hoping to be adopted while living in group homes, shelters and temporary facilities. These children have been through great upheaval and trauma, without exception. Too many have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a parent tuck them in at bedtime with warm, clean pajamas and a bedtime story. In the cold winter months, it is especially important to keep these at risk children safe and warm as all too often shelters are not sufficiently heated and blankets are scarce.
"For so many needy and abused children, winter means endless cold and scary nights," explains Pajama Program founder Genevieve Piturro. "The winter season is a particularly critical time when these children are most vulnerable to serious colds and illnesses. Warm, clean pajamas help to protect them against night chills and harmful conditions. Emotionally pajamas are a hug for children who feel lost and alone."
Pajama Program operates 62 chapters in 40 states staffed by thousands of volunteers.
For more information on Pajama Program including ways to make a donation, please visit the website: www.pajamaprogram.org
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/08/29/us/more-children-living-in-poverty.html?ref=us
Press Contact: Diane Blackman
BR Public Relations / 212.249.5125
[email protected]
SOURCE Pajama Program
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