Even though many of the hard working volunteers of Pajama Program experienced at the very least a power outage for about a week and at the most damage to their homes from fallen trees, they were ready to hit the ground running to get new pajamas to children who lost their homes and belongings in Superstorm Sandy.

When I finally got back to my computer more than a week after Sandy hit the area, I found dozens of emails not only from NJ, but from people all over the country asking how they can help. And the emails keep coming in every day. It has not only been heartwarming but overwhelming to experience first hand how Americans rally to help each other in times of need. Overall we really are a country of good people.

Unfortunately, right before the storm we had packed, shipped and delivered a huge number of new pajamas and new books to children in need all over the state to get a head start on the winter season, so our cupboards were not quite bare, but lacking many sizes of children's pajamas. In fact, we have no girl's or woman's pajamas in any size. We had decided to take a break until after Thanksgiving, and wait for the influx of donations that we have come to expect before the holidays.

But now with Sandy's surprise attack, we need more new pajamas than usual. We are asking you to please consider running a pajama drive or personally donating new pajamas to children who have been torn from their homes and are sleeping in a strange place in a strange bed. A new pair of pajamas and a new book will not solve their problems right now, but it can help to make the night less scary.

For information on how to run a pajama drive go to

http://www.pajamaprogram.org/pjdrive.html 

You will be able to download all of the information and materials you will need. You can drop your donations off in the deckbox in front of the entrance of the Pajama Program Reading Center,in Poricy Park, 345 Oak Hill Road, Red Bank. If you wish to have your pajamas go to victims of the storm, put a note in your bag of pajamas with the word "Sandy" written on it. Please add your contact information, including your email address, so that we can send you a thank you.

If you wish to deliver or ship your donations go to

http://www.pajamaprgram.org/donationform.html

and type in "Sandy deliver" or "Sandy ship" where the form asks for "nearby towns"and I will send you the contact information of a relief group or shelter that will be thrilled to receive your new pajamas.

To make a tax exempt monetary donation, make your check out to Pajama Program, with the words "NJ Chapter" written on the memo line. Send it to Pajama Program, PO Box 36, Middletown, NJ 07748.

For more information you may contact me at geri@pajamaprogram.org.

On behalf of the children we serve, I thank you in advance.

Pajama Program only accepts NEW pajamas & NEW books for sanitary reasons.