New pajamas are a Christmas tradition for many families and now a local ‘jammie fairy’ is asking for donations to provide pajamas to the Langley Christmas Bureau.
“We all know how comfy and cozy it feels to receive brand new pajamas at Christmas,†said organizer Mary Lou Robertson.
The goal is to provide that experience to kids whose families might not be able to afford things most people take for granted.
Giving couldn’t be easier. There’s a pajama drive Dec. 6 and 7 to gather up donations.
The campaign started with a nurse at HealthLinkBC who retired from it in 2013. Initially it was just done through work.
Last year the pajamas were donated to two groups – 100 pairs to the Oak Avenue Neighborhood House in Surrey and 100 pairs to Langley’s Christmas Bureau.
A co-worker of the nurse, Robertson took on the role of ‘jammie fairy’ and the pajama campaign is now open to the public. All donations this year will go to the Langley Christmas Bureau.
People are asked to drop off a pair of new pajamas for a child or teen, boy or girl.
Many buyers focus on items for small children. People are reminded not to overlook older teens and tweens.
The pajama drive Dec. 6 and 7 is at the Langley Wal-Mart. It runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and a table will be set up to accept donations. Any money donated will be used to buy pajamas.
All the ‘jammies’ will be delivered to the Christmas Bureau in time to be distributed to families this holiday season.
The Christmas bureau is an all-volunteer non-profit operating for many years. It holds Toy Depot Days when needy families that have registered are able to choose a main toy or gift, a small gift, a gift certificate and smaller stocking stuffers. As well, the Langley Literacy Association provides books for families who also receive a food hamper or gift certificates for food.
Toy Depot Days, when families pick up their items, are Dec. 15, 16 and 17 at the Langley main site, 20300 Fraser Hwy. (the former SAAN and Fields stores). There also the Aldergrove office which accepts donations and apply.
Last year the Christmas bureau helped 1,650 children in 803 families in this community. Learn more at www.langleychristmasbureau.com.