On November 11, 2014 Pamela Badolato launched a charity project and without telling anyone she knew, called Plaid Pajamas Project. She wanted to collect and distribute pajamas to people in need. They are about to hit their 10 year anniversary and in the past ten collection seasons we have donated probably 10,000 pairs of pajamas.
In her own words:
Every Christmas for as long as I can remember, my sister Kristina and I were allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve. We received a new pair of pajamas from our grandparents, Nonnie and Poppie, and wore them that night. During our teen years we had some funny pajamas opening experiences as it was humorous to see what they would choose for us. You’ll still find us laughing till we cry when recounting a pair I got during my freshman year of college which were purchased slightly too large. How large you ask? Large enough for Kristina and I to fit in them- together!
As you can see, these pajamas played a huge part of our family Christmas memories. My parents, Mema and Pepa, carry on this tradition and give pajamas to our children each year, and even when we aren’t together it’s the only gift they open on Christmas Eve. Nonnie and Poppie sent pajamas to Jim and I through 2021. However, we lost our beloved grandmother in November 2022, but I know our pajamas are still from her heart no matter what.
Our family has been inspired by our tradition, one that many families share, and we’ve created Plaid Pajamas as a way to provide warm winter pajamas to people in need. Giving our children a chance to learn about the importance of being helpers and givers, not just receivers. Our pajama collection takes place from October through January, with distribution from the end of November through mid-January to various organizations.
The requests for pajamas have already begun rolling in, and she expects to have even more this year. So far they are committed once again to T&E Care, about 15 Head Start classes in Philadelphia, and will have a pair of pajamas for each child that receives a bike from Dom Fixes Bikes .
Their pajamas help keep people warm during the winter, regardless of what holidays you celebrate or not. Their mission is to provide some happiness, smiles, and warmth.
I have thought this was a good thing ever since the inception of this project. It’s simple. It makes people happy. It helps people whose holidays may not be so jolly have some good cheer. It’s just nice.
Want to help? See website at www.plaidpajamasproject.com
