Sleep Train Collects PJs for Foster Kids

April 1, 2013  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on April 2, 2013

Bedding retailer Sleep Train has helped California's foster children sleep cozier with the collection of 28,317 items during its annual Pajama Drive for Foster Kids.

The collection is an 85 percent increase from last year's donation event, collecting more than 13,000 additional pajamas.

"The foster children we support at our agency often face a difficult road ahead of them. The uncertainty of what's to come can make it challenging to fall asleep," said Tom Alexander, president and CEO of Fred Finch Youth Center. "A simple item like new pajamas helps ease that anxiety, especially when a foster child knows it comes from a community who cares about them. We're very grateful to offer that to our kids, thanks to generous donations from the Sleep Train community." 

With six donation drives throughout the year, Sacramento, Calif.-based Sleep Train aims to help foster families as they seek to quickly replace essential items foster children must often leave behind, including pajamas, shoes and clothing. Sleep Train has also kicked off its annual Shoe Drive for Foster Kids and is collecting donations of new shoes in all sizes - toddler through adults - through May 5.

"Shoes that fit are not just a necessity for running, playing and walking to school. New shoes are something every child gets excited about, and they give foster children the feeling of normalcy, allowing them to fit in amongst their peers," said Patty Boles, executive director at Straight From The Heart. "We can't wait to see the look on our kids' faces when they get to pick out a new pair of shoes at the end of Sleep Train's Shoe Drive!"

To celebrate the start of its Shoe Drive, Sleep Train is hosting a Shoe Drive Kick Off contest on its Facebook page, offering its social community the chance to vote in a "Tug of War" challenge for their favorite shoe styles and win weekly prizes. Starting today, those interested in participating can visit the Sleep Train Facebook page for more info.