by Michaela Garstin
Now that winter is approaching, it’s time for Langley’s “jammie fairy” to bring cozy pajamas to boys and girls again.
She will be collecting donations outside the Langley Wal-Mart on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Any donated children’s pajamas will be dropped off at the Langley Christmas Bureau in time for the holiday season, explained ‘jammie fairy’ Mary Lou Robertson.
“For many children, receiving a new pair of Christmas pajamas has become a holiday tradition,” said Robertson, a Langley resident who has organized the drive for the past three years.
“For others, meeting their family needs at Christmas has become a struggle,” she added.
“New jammies on Christmas are guaranteed to bring a smile to their faces and warmth to their hearts,” Robertson explained.
Last year, 436 pairs of pajamas were donated.
People are asked to drop off a pair of new PJs for a child or teen, between sizes 2 to 16, for a boy or girl.
Many people buy pajamas for younger children, but Robertson would like to remind donors that tweens and teens are also in need.
Money donated during the drive will be used to buy more pajamas from local stores for children in need.
The campaign began with a nurse at HealthLinkBC, who wanted all children and teens to have new pajamas for the holiday season, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Robertson took over when the founder retired in 2013.
Donations have increased from around 100 to more than 400 pairs of pajamas in the past three years.
This year, Z95.3, a Vancouver radio station, will be playing music on location.
The pajamas, along with donated toys, will be picked up by disadvantaged families during the Langley Christmas Bureau’s annual toy depot from Dec. 14 to 16, just in time for Christmas, Robertson said.
In past years, parents and caregivers have lined up from 5 a.m. to pick out the perfect gifts for their children.
More than 100 volunteers gather together each year to make the Langley Christmas Bureau possible.
Last year, 803 families and 1,600 children received assistance from the bureau.
For more information on the Langley Christmas Bureau, people can call 604-530-3001 or visit their website at langleychristmasbureau.com.