Final Count-920

The final count of Jammies for Junior was 920 pajamas-almost 4 times what I initially was hoping to do. After the final dropoff, I received ANOTHER large donation, (I believe this was from a Curves location) which resulted in the total being even higher.

*If you think about, 920 pajamas would equal 46 classrooms (Each with 20 students) receiving new pajamas.

*When you look at the $$$ spent/donated to buy pajamas-and consider the best prices I could find (on smaller sizes) were around $6-and that could range to $14-$15 for adult and junior sizes, on average this fundraiser resulted in over $8,000 being spent on pajamas. (I averaged a little low, since some were gently used...)

Incredible.

Final Drop-off

The last of the pajamas were dropped off yesterday. I brought about 9, 30 gallon bags to St Vincent's in Dayton. This is a homeless shelter, for families, single women, and women with children. Since the economy tanked, they have seen their numbers increase by 60%. It is a full service shelter with 3 meals a day-though rules are plentiful to make this operation work.

When clients come in, whatever things they bring are put in plastic "totes" and kept in one central room. They can check out their belongings at any time, however, sleeping quarters are completely empty with the exception of beds. They don't want things "walking away" and it is easier to monitor whose is what with this system. Inside the sleeping area, are tons and tons of twin beds-which are filled to capacity every night. (Think 100 or so, clustered in little groups of 2-3 for families or mothers with children.) The only personal items I saw were a few teddy bears on some of the beds for children.

Impressive, heart-breaking and humbling all at once- this shelter leaves no doubt how real the need is, and yet also, how generous individuals are to support a shelter of this magnitude. Thank you again to everyone who helped support "Jammies for Junior." Have a blessed and Merry Christmas.

The End (I mean it this time)

So I know I am losing effectiveness by saying "The End" 19 times, but this time I really mean it. NEW TOTAL: 856 PAJAMAS.

To prove I am serious, we delivered the first load today. The Hope House in Middletown received 150 pajamas, a long with 10-15 blankets, and another huge bag of miscellaneous clothes that have come in. Next week, we will deliver all the rest so they are there for Christmas.

NEW TOTAL: 612 PAJAMAS

So even though I am all done collecting, a few pajamas are still making their way in-just in time before I begin delivering over the next few days. As of now, the new total is 612 pajamas. That is not even counting the bags and boxes I have of "Other" things such as coats, blankets, shoes, t-shirts, jeans, etc. I am going to have so much free space at my house I don't know what to do.

Also, my husband deserves a medal of honor since he patiently humors me on these endeavors and on this one in particular, helps to fold and wrap hundreds and hundreds of pajamas....

Pajama Drive-Complete!

So I am all done "officially" collecting pajamas. (I have some more coming tonight and Monday)-but we are so far beyond the goal it is insane. As of this moment, I have 537 pajamas in my living room-all of which are being delivered in the next 2 weeks, to multiple organizations. Thanks so much to everybody who helped! There will be a lot of happy kids this year.