Schools
Bedtime Story Pajama Drive: Walnut Kids Donate 60 Pairs Of PJs
While shoppers are busy buying last-minute gifts, these students paused to remember those who are less fortunate with this pajama drive.
WALNUT, CA—December is a season bustling with holiday shopping, parties, tree trimming, and wrapping presents. It’s also the season to remember those who are less fortunate. Walnut Elementary 5th grade leadership students voted to host a service project to benefit not just one, but three organizations this month.
Over 60 pairs of new PJs for girls, boys, and women were donated during the 10th annual Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive to benefit the House of Ruth shelter in Pomona.
Collection boxes were stationed in the main office during the two-week philanthropic drive that ended December 18.
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“It felt good to bring in pajamas for a little boy,” said leadership member Brandon Wong, 10.
“My mom helped me pick it out,” he proudly reported.
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Scholastic Book Clubs will also donate a new book through the non-profit Pajama Program to help give children in foster care, in poverty, or homeless a warmer good night.
Nearly 116,000 pajamas have been donated in 2018 throughout the nation.
The Walnut Elementary families also filled boxes with socks for the East san Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless and blankets and towels for the Inland Valley Humane Society.
“I brought about 20 pairs of socks,” shared 10-year-old Aston Fang.
Students advertised their project with a video, morning broadcast, and by visiting classrooms to make connections with their peers.
“It feels good helping everyone,” commented Hillary Ho, 10.
Katelyn Suen said she liked talking with the younger students who sometimes asked silly questions.
“It was fun doing it because I knew it would be for a good cause!” she said.
The leadership students are part of an 8-week Genius Hour course led by elementary learning specialist Jill Takayama.
“The students have all these great ideas and it’s so much fun to guide them through the planning process of our community service project,” she said.
“The best part is knowing they can and will make a difference in this world!”
Walnut Unified School District Photos
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