Meet the 10 year old who organized a Pajama Drive
Last week, 1855 pairs of pajamas were donated to Foster Forward. THANK YOU! This is a record!
Now, we have to share with you Charlie’s story and the Pajama Drive she organized. Charlie is 10 and attends Fogarty Memorial in Rhode Island. She heard her parents - Dave and Becky - talking about the Pajama Drive. Charlie then went shopping with her mom to pick up some pairs of pajamas when she had an idea.
Charlie decided she wanted to do more. She wanted to enlist her school in donating pajamas for foster children and allow them to experience the joy of opening something brand new this season. So Charlie went to her teacher, then pitched her principal, and with their permission she drafted a flyer to advertise for a Pajama Drive.
During school recess, Charlie and one of her friends decorated and organized donation boxes to station around the school. She received permission to use the art room and was told “to take whatever you need.” Charlie says she was able to go in the art closet and behind the desk, places she wasn’t able to go before for supplies (how fun!).
Her parents, Dave and Becky, said they supported her the whole way, but it was totally “all her.” Charlie is also collecting socks and underwear at school for foster youth.
I love this story, because here’s where we are reminded that community is crucial. Charlie reminds us that we can contribute to the lives of those around us in accessible ways, and that every gesture is meaningful...particularly the kind that involves giving a new pair of pajamas to a foster child who may not otherwise get them.
Thank you, Charlie! We’re so happy to know you.
Warmly,
Lisa Guillette
Executive Director
