Faculty, parents, and students at St. Kevin Catholic Academy in New York are coming together in a remarkable initiative. They are working hard to collect pajama donations for children facing economic hardships in the local community. This school, located in a Queens neighborhood, is collaborating with The Pajama Program and Girl Scout troops to provide new sleepwear for children aged 12 and under, ranging from newborn to children's XL.

Empowering Children with Comfort through Pajama Donations

Collecting Pajamas for Local Community Kids

Parents and students at St. Kevin Catholic Academy are actively involved in this noble cause. As Eliana Montalvo, the Academy Parent Associate event coordinator, shared during a phone interview, "Our kids are fortunate to attend a Catholic school, and many of our older kids understand the luxury and privilege it is. We wanted to keep this initiative within our local community, knowing that it would directly help those in need." So far, the parent-student collaboration has received around 50 sets of pajamas.This philanthropic effort was born out of a dual need - providing children's basics in shelters and teaching students empathy and giving. Parents were informed about the fundraising effort and encouraged to spread the word. It's a simple yet powerful way to make a difference.

The Importance of Clean Pajamas for Children's Sleep

Alexis Abate, a licensed professional counselor, emphasized the critical role of clean pajamas for a child's comfort before and during sleep. In a phone conversation with Fox News Digital, she said, "We are truly blessed to have such an active APA. Some children don't even have access to clean pajamas and sleep in the clothes they wear to school. This can make them nervous and increase cortisol levels before bed. A new, clean pair of pajamas promotes proper hygiene and enhances the quality of sleep. It teaches kids about security, warmth, and being cared for. Having pajamas at home represents our basic needs and stability."

Inviting National Giving through Amazon Wishlist

For those outside the Queens community who want to have a greater impact, moms in the APA have opened an Amazon wishlist. Pajamas purchased through this wishlist will be directly sent to Montalvo and kept at the school or church. St. Kevin Catholic Academy is inviting local and national giving through the end of November.This initiative showcases the power of community collaboration and the importance of addressing the basic needs of children. It's a heartwarming story of how a school and its stakeholders are making a positive difference in the lives of those in need.