Service Sunday: The Plaid Pajamas Project

Today's kick-off of Service Sunday is being written by Kelly Ross! This awesome organization stood out to me because it's something basically anyone and everyone can get involved with. Kelly's young son got involved and ended up creating a Pittsburgh chapter. A 6-year old, starting a charitable movement!!!! I love that so much! I can also attest to how much I LOVE the tradition of new pajamas during the holidays. We do this as a family and have forever. It's important to our family and I think it's so nice to be able to give this feeling and experience to those who might not otherwise be able to! This is a great way to support those in need while also being able to teach and illustrate to younger people that giving back is important. Here's what Kelly has to say.. 

What is the Plaid Pajamas Project?
Our family became involved in The Plaid Pajamas Project four years ago.  After sending a few pairs of pajamas to the Philadelphia-based charity during its first year, my son Jackson (age 6 at the time) wanted to do more.  Jackson's desire to do more is what started The Plaid Pajamas Project collection in Pittsburgh to support local children and families in need.  This organization was born out of the founder, Pamela's, desire to carry on a legacy that was initiated by her grandparents years ago.  The Plaid Pajamas Project's mission is to provide new pajamas during the winter holiday season to children (birth to adult) who may not otherwise have new pajamas and we are honored to extend the reach to the Pittsburgh region each year.

How are you and your family involved?
For the past four years, the Ross Bros have made flyers, created videos to use on social media, sent emails, and gone door to door requesting and collecting contributions for The Plaid Pajamas Project.  They spend hours sorting and organizing sizes for the recipients. Each December we take a few days and visit our partner recipient organizations to deliver the pajamas.  The recipients change year to year but have included: Light of Life, His Place, Mars Home for Youth, Jeremiah's Relief Nursery, The Ronald McDonald House, Crisis Center North, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, The Somali-Bantu Refugee Community, Foster Love Project, and more.

How can we help?
Over the years, two family friends have started their own collections throughout the city of Pittsburgh and last year, collectively, we distributed about 800 pairs of pajamas!  We welcome friends from all over to contribute to our collection (or start their own!) and share the cozy PJ love in Pittsburgh by sending PJs to: The Plaid Pajamas Project 8878 Covenant Avenue #100 Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Financial contributions can be made to the organization via the PayPal link on The Plaid Pajamas Project's website. Sizes of pajamas can range from preemie to XXL adult.

Starting a PJ collection or contributing is something simple and kind that even a kid can do to be a helper and a giver!

I'm headed out next week to gather holiday pajamas to give to Kelly for The Plaid Pajamas Project  and I hope you will, too! It's so easy and an affordable way to make a difference.