A South Charlotte Playgroup Mom is helping keep needy kids warm and cozy this holiday season. Please take a moment to read the article below, provided by Meaghan Hinckley, for information on how you can help.
Now through December 24, 2010, select Starbucks throughout the city will be hosting a pajama drive for the Pajama Program, a wonderful non-profit organization who provides new, warm pajamas and new books to children in need all over the U.S. and around the world. The program serves children in need living in group homes and shelters. Most have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a parent tuck them in at bedtime with warm, clean pajamas and a story.
Pajama Program’s mission becomes more urgent during the period it identifies as “Danger Season” when the thermostat dips and the harsh winter months settle in. Pajama Program works hard to heighten the public’s awareness of the need to keep these at risk children in warm, clean nighttime clothing and with a bedtime book to allay their fears.
The books the children read at bedtime go a long way in improving their reading level as well. Most have been removed from school for long periods of time and do not have access to books and their grade reading level is far lower than their peers.
Chapter Presidents across the U.S. identify “Receiving Organizations” in their communities where children in need are living. Charlotte Chapter President, Meaghan Hinckley (a South Charlotte Playgroup member!), is dedicated to helping children in need right here in Charlotte. When asked about where the donations we gather would go, Meaghan explained, “One hundred percent of the donations my chapter collects stay local. They go to approved receiving organizations in several different cities including Charlotte and Concord. These receiving organizations are comprised of homeless shelters, centers, and other organizations that serve children in need.”
The need is great. There are more than 513,000 children in the foster care system in the U.S. and more than one million children who are not living with their natural parents. These children have been through great upheaval and trauma, without exception. Please help us help this wonderful organization provide children in need with the simple comfort of a new, warm pair of pajamas and a new book to call their own.
Starbucks will be collecting donations of new pajamas and books for all ages infant-17 now through December 24th. Please bring your donations to any of the following addresses:
Providence Rd. Location: 545 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207
7th Street Location: 1961 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204
Bank of America Location: 101 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Independence Location: 101 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28246
Charlotte Plaza Location: 201 South College Street, Charlotte, NC 28244
Gateway Village Location: 800 W Trade St, Ste 140, Charlotte, NC 28202
Kannapolis Location: 6065 Bayfield Parkway, Concord, NC 28027
Concord Mills Location: 8111 Concord Mills Blvd #342, Concord, NC 28027
Salisbury Location: 916 East Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28145
Concord HWY 29 Location: 1490 US Highway 29, Concord, NC 28027
Speedway Blvd Location: 7741 Gateway Lane NW, Suite 130, Concord, NC 28027
All pajamas and books should be new with the tags on. We ask that the pajamas be a complete set or a night gown. Thank you all for your support!
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