Vineland students reach out to those in need a comfy bedtime
VINELAND - With a contented sigh, D’Ippolito Elementary School student Demi Rodriguez described her favorite pajamas.
“They have hearts on them and they’re pink,” she said.
“Mine are fluffy inside,” said Nicole Ortiz, seated at the next desk. “With blue stars.”
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The girls sat side-by-side making fliers for a school project to ensure other youngsters also enjoy the comfort of a cozy bedtime.
Each month, a different grade level at the North Valley Avenue school reach out to help someone in the community as part of their character education curriculum.
Starting this week, third-graders are collecting children’s sleepwear for the Pajama Program that distributes sleepwear to children in need, including those in homeless shelters.
They also are selling $10 tickets good for the Larry’s II breakfast buffet on Saturday or Sunday. Each ticket sold adds $2 to the fundraiser.
Some third-graders were surprised to learn that youngsters their own age didn’t have pajamas.
“It’s something that they take for granted,” third-grade teacher Raj Puri said.
Teacher Denise Leshay launched the collection drive last year with just her class.
Leshay learned of the program through Scholastic Books, which matches each pajama donation with a bedtime story in the form of a new book.
Her class collected about 60 pairs of pajamas.
This year, all the third-graders are in.
Along with the fliers, they’ve made brightly-decorated collection boxes for each classroom.
Third-grader Emilia Gomez brought in donations she picked up during a recent family shopping trip.
“I like penguins,” she said, pointing to winter-themed girl’s onesie pajamas.
Her brother, Silas, picked out some footie pajamas for a boy, which Emelia added to the collection box.
Third-grader Layla Ayala said it’s her hope the box is soon piled high with contributions.
“This high,” she said, raising her arm a few inches over her head.
The project dovetails into the character education qualities — empathy and compassion — students are studying this month.
Students pointed out the box in their school lobby they hope the public will help them fill by the Dec. 8 deadline. The community can contribute pajamas or cash donations.
Teachers are making a special appeal for pajamas for children size 8 through XXXL.
Donations may be dropped off at D’Ippolito, located at 1578 N. Valley Ave., on school days before 3:30 p.m.
Nicole and Demi focused on their public relations mission.
Their teacher took their head shots, which they cut out and drew some colorful pajamas under their faces.
Then with their crayons, they added a simple heartfelt appeal.
“Help Us.”
The girls have mastered the lesson.
‘It is better to give than to receive,” their teacher Julie Marrero said.
Deborah M. Marko: @dmarko_dj; (856) 563-5256; dmarko@gannettnj.com