The Associates of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill were happy to host the 5th Annual Pajama and Book Drive. Started in 2001 by Genevieve Piturro, the drive collects pajamas and book sets for young boys and girls. While reading to and working with the children who were waiting for placement in foster care, she was dismayed to learn that many children did not even own pajamas and wore their clothes to bed. She decided to start collecting pajamas from her friends and family, and the rest is history!
In addition to a generous gift from the Knights of Columbus, Bardonia, New York, donations arrived from Sisters, Associates, and many local parishes. The Associates got busy collecting and wrapping the pajamas and books and were joined by students and faculty from St. Thomas Aquinas College, who had coordinated a drive at the college. Middle School students from the South Orangetown School District joined in the fun and assisted with wrapping the pajamas and books. When their work was finished, they shared some pizza and enjoyed each other’s company. Sisters and Associates in attendance told stories and thanked the students for their participation.
More than 385 pajamas and book sets were delivered to Head Start in Spring Valley, New York—an organization that provides preschool and early childhood education and special education to low-income children and their families. There will be many happy children receiving a warm set of pajamas and a new book to enjoy.
Grateful thanks to all who participated; we look forward to working together to make a positive difference again next year!