Does the holiday season inspire you to give? For most in our community the answer is a resounding YES! I don’t know any stats, but I bet that the Grand Rapids area would top the charts in giving.
We give when our hearts are stirred. We give when we see a need: food to food pantries, clothes to the resale shops, time to service projects, shelter for the displaced…you get the idea.
But…there are some needs that go unmet because they are not on our radar. The Grand Rapids Public Schools runs a program for homeless and displaced youth.
Guess what they need? Pajamas!
I think this would make a great project for kids to help out with. They can relate to PJ’s. They can comprehend what it would be like to sleep without that coziness. Perhaps you can get your little Andy and Ava to tag along and pick out a pair to donate. The Visser Family YMCA and the Horizon Complex in Jenison is spearheading this effort. New pajamas (sizes 3 and up…no infants sizes, please) may be dropped off at Horizon Complex (corner of Port Sheldon and Chicago Drive) or the Visser YMCA.
Last year they contributed 800 pairs of PJ’s…this year, lets help that number skyrocket!
A
nd here’s the challenge: would you go to the event’s facebook page and share it? This will post it to your profile page…and let others in our community know of the need.
Leave a comment on this blog telling us you did it. And leave a comment here about what you’re giving…maybe that is just what’s needed to inspire another. If we can reach (100) valid comments on this blog (one per person, please!) then grkids.com will donate (10) pairs of PJ’s!
Kelly Vonk said
I have posted the PJ collection on my facebook page. Thanks for alerting us to the efforts!
Maryann said
I have post the PJ Collection Drive on my Facebook.
Since I do not live in the Grand Rapids area, I plan to participate in the giving tree at my church. It provides gifts to local families in need.
Maryann said
What a wonderful endevor for Grand Rapids. If you don’t live nearby, I’m sure you can donate within your own community, not just now but all year long! Thanks!
Laurie Guikema said
Sounds great! We’re in.
Daphne F said
What a great community goal!
cheri fox said
What a warm idea at this time of year! I’m happy to help with getting things downtown if anyone can’t get Pjs there…. just drop them off on my porch-
Jen @ BigBinder said
Awesome!! And yes, GR is second nationally in per capita giving after Salt Lake City, Utah
Vanessa Huang said
I love this Challenge! I am posting to my FB and am going to buy 3 pairs of PJ’s to donate in each of my kiddos sizes. One thing I love is to see my kiddos all snuggled in their cozy jammies during the cold Michigan winter. I want the same for all children!