Barnard Students Hold PJ & Book Drive

Barnard Elementary’s fourth grade students created a recipe for success when they combined Scholastic Books, pajamas and a fun week of activities. Just off the heels of raising money to support UNICEF, Barnard’s fourth graders wanted to continue the spirit of giving by raising money to purchase new pajamas for families in the Metro Detroit Area. For this project students brainstormed ideas to encourage their peers to donate dollars throughout a week of engaging incentives. To donate dollars, students chewed gum, wore hats, ate lunch with their teacher, and of course wore pajamas with their favorite stuffed animal to celebrate kindness and giving back. Owen, fourth grader, loved the incentives. He said, “It was exciting helping other kids by having a lot of fun at the same time.”

Gwen Simon’s, Debbie Rosenman’s and Nicole Coffer’s fourth graders raised $250 to purchase 36 sets of pajamas. One Barnard family generously donated an additional 15 sets of pajamas to support the cause. In partnership with Scholastic Books, a new book was donated for each pajama set. “It makes me feel excited because I like helping other people,” said Artemus, fourth grader, after the activity.

Pajamas were donated to Orchard’s Children’s Services, an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of children. They were appreciative of the donation and planned to have a pajama party for the children, who will participate in a read-in with their new Scholastic books.

“We are inspired by our community of fourth graders who want to make a difference and make their world a better place for children,” said Barnard Principal Melanie Morey. “We look forward to our next project when we learn about the importance of keeping Michigan waterways clean and communicating ideas to our newly elected officials.”

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Photos courtesy of the Troy School District:

• Debbie Rosenman’s 4th grade class
• Gwen Simon’s 4th grade class
• Nicole Coffer’s 4th grade class