Sweet Dreams: CASA Kids Receive Pajamas and Bedtime Books
As seen on Oprah: Pajama Program donates sleepwear, books to kids in need
There’s already a hint of fall in the air. As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, there’s nothing better than a cozy pair of PJs to comfort us through the cool Colorado nights.
Most of us take something as simple as our favorite pajamas for granted. But many needy kids in the Pikes Peak Region, some of whom have been abused and neglected, don’t have a good pair of PJs and they don’t have a mom or dad to tuck them in at night.
Thanks to the Southern Colorado Chapter of the Pajama Program, kids served by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Pikes Peak Region received a brand new pair of warm pajamas and a book to read at bedtime. The Pajama Program, newly established in the area, made its first donation of books and more than 60 new pajamas to CASA.
CASA celebrated the donation by throwing a Pajama Party for foster kids on September 22. CASA volunteers and foster parents brought children of all ages to the party. The kids were excited to pick out a pair of pajamas and a book or toy of their choice, snack on cookies and punch, and spend a few hours enjoying some of the simple pleasures of childhood with other kids just like them.
“Pajamas connote warmth and security and this is a way for us to provide our kids with a sense of safety,” said CASA Executive Director Trudy Strewler. “We are very grateful to have been chosen to receive the program’s first donation in our area and are looking forward to partnering with the Pajama Program again soon.”
The Southern Colorado Chapter of the Pajama Program was established by Collette Guida after she saw the national program featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” “I was so inspired by the idea I decided I had to be a part of it,” said Collette.
The Pajama Program identifies organizations that care for homeless or vulnerable children in various ways. The program provides pajamas and books to help create a warm, nurturing environment to kids living under difficult circumstances.
Since Guida and her business partner Pamela Dashner both have full-time jobs, they must squeeze their efforts to get the Southern Colorado chapter off the ground into lunch hours, evenings, and weekends. They receive some support from the Pajama Program’s national headquarters, but paid for most of the pajamas for the CASA kids out of their own pockets. The local chapter is in need of donations of new kids’ pajamas, new books, and financial contributions to help them get established. To make a donation, call Collette Guida at 719-201-1497.
In this day of Xboxes and iPods, most kids would think a new pair of pajamas was a pretty dull gift. But for kids who have experienced deprivation and turmoil in their young lives, this small gesture was as exciting as Christmas morning. The kids were sincerely grateful as demonstrated by the hugs they freely and sweetly offered to weepy-eyed party organizers. |
