Faculty, parents, and students at a private Catholic school in New York are working strategically to collect donations of pajamas for children in communities facing economic hardship.
St. Kevin Catholic Academy in Queens is partnering with the Pajama Program, a 501(c))(3) nonprofit organization, and Girl Scout troops to provide new sleepwear for children ages 12 and under, from newborn to sizes. We provide. Up to children XL.
“Our children are very fortunate to attend a Catholic school,” Eliana Montalvo, Academy Parent Associate Events Coordinator at St. Kevin School, told FOX News Digital in a phone interview. “A lot of older kids know it's a luxury and a privilege.”
Staff, parents and students at St. Kevin Catholic Academy in Queens collect pajama donations for children facing financial hardship. (Alison Murphy)
Sleep deprivation is a risk for children, study finds 'important role'
This philanthropic effort was born out of both the basic educational needs of children in shelters and the important lessons of empathy and giving for students at the academy.
Parents were informed about the fundraiser and encouraged to spread the word to others outside the school community through letters sent home with their children.
“We're basically just doing the preliminary work of collecting pajamas,” Montalvo said. “We liked the idea of it staying within the local community. We know it's helping kids who live in our area.”
With the help of parents and students, approximately 50 sets of pajamas have been received so far.
Study finds that children who are sleep deprived may have a sudden spike in blood pressure
Alexis Abate, a licensed professional counselor, told Fox News Digital that new, clean pajamas are essential for a child's comfort before and during sleep. (St. Petersburg)
“I just want to say that we are truly blessed and fortunate to have such an active APA,” St. Kevin's Principal Alison Murphy told FOX News Digital by phone. “They're always trying to find things they can do to help not only the kids in this building, but the kids outside of this building.”
Pajamas are an essential and basic necessity, but some children don't have access to them. Alexis Abbate, a licensed professional counselor and holistic mindset coach in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital by phone that some children sleep in the clothes they wear to school.
Abate said having to wear the same clothes day and night can make children nervous and cause their cortisol levels to spike before bed.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
St. Kevin Catholic Academy is partnering with Girl Scout troops and the Pajama Project to provide clean, comfortable pajamas to children in need this holiday season. (Reggie Casagrande via Getty Images)
She added that new, clean pajamas promote proper hygiene, which impacts sleep quality.
“By getting ready for bed, children learn to form secure attachments with their caregivers,” Abate says. “Pajamas are a symbol of safety, warmth, and compassion. Having pajamas at home represents not only our basic needs, but also predictability and stability. It helps regulate emotions .”
APA moms opened for those looking to make a larger collective impact outside of the Queens community. Amazon wish list For interested donors. The purchased pajamas will be sent directly to Montalvo and stored at the school or church.
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews/health
St. Kevin's is collecting local and national donations until the end of November.
