Today Emily and I went to a Pajama Party. The kids (and some of the moms) came in their pjs and had a blast playing (or in Emily's case, reading--makes this storytime mom proud). The moms chatted and we all noshed. A very fun playdate.
It was even more special because it was part of a MOMS Club service project. The group has collected new pajamas and books for needy children to donate to the Pajama Program. This program was started to provide new pjs and books for children in crisis. Many of these children have never been snuggled at night, been read a bedtime book or own pjs.
Bedtime is such a special time to snuggle and let our little ones know they are cherished. We read to them to connect, to help them dream, for so many reasons. This program helps children who rarely get those things. It's a program I had never heard of and touched my heart, so I wanted to share. More information about the Pajama Program can be found at www.pajamaprogram.org. If you need a smile, check out some of the pictures of the children who have received their very own pjs and books. What a difference simple things can make.
If you know about other literacy charities for children, feel free to email me or post in the comments. I'd love to hear more about them.
Here are a couple I'm aware of: Books for Africa (they work to provide textbook and library books for both children and adults) and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (provides free age-appropriate books for children birth-age 5). I've also seen The Literacy Site, which is run by the same group as The Hunger Site--clicking the button at the site every day donates sponsor-provided money to literacy charities.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Amy. I will check those out.
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