The Girl Scout Alumnae Silver Trefoil Pajama and Book Drive that began Oct. 1 is still actively collecting new pajamas and new books for the thousands of homeless children in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties.
“We are counting on The Villagers to continue their shopping madness until the drive’s deadline of Dec. 11,” said Villager Mikki Blumberg who is spearheading the drive.
“We’re nearing our goals of 6,000 PJs and 3,600 books. All Silver Trefoils keep a positive attitude as the numbers climb, because when we least expect it, supporters suddenly appear,” she added.
Thus far, 3,000 pairs of pajamas have been collected and just under 3,000 books.
Recently, seven women mixed their passion for the homeless children and their sewing skills to create holiday themed drawstring ditty bags to hold a gift of a pair of pajamas with a book .
They donated 67 ditty bags each holding a pajama set with an age appropriate book.
“It is difficult to express the difference a new pair of pajamas or book can make in the life of a child. These items are small enough that a child can keep them in a backpack when moving about from place to place. But these small items give these children a sense of empowerment like no other,” Blumberg said.
To make a donation, visit any of the recreation centers in The Villages and look for the big collection box.
