History: Genevieve Piturro always enjoyed reading to children who were waiting for foster care placement in New York City. When she realized that many of these children went to bed without pajamas, she started asking her family and friends for pajama donations. This act of kindness turned into Pajama Program in 2001, and now it's a national organization with Reading Centers in New York City and Atlanta for children ages 4 to 18 years old.
Did you know: At the Pajama Program Reading Center in Atlanta, children participate in reading parties, where stories come to life as adults and teenagers engage in one-on-one storytelling in a safe and friendly environment. At the end of the one-hour party, children receive new pajamas and a new book.
Its motto: It is Pajama Program's mission "to promote and support a comforting bedtime routine for all children to help them thrive."
How you can help: Storytelling volunteers are need, as are pajama and book donations. Financial donations help pay for transportation costs so every child gets a free ride to and from the reading centers.
To learn more: Call 404-748-9221 or email atlanta@pajamaprogram.org.
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