NEWS RELEASE

Libraries Help Make PJ Drive a Success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 08, 2015
Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us

The Boston Bruins and Cradles to Crayons are celebrating the success of the eighth annual PJ Drive.

"Pajamas are not just clothing for the more than 300,000 children living in need; pajamas are a symbol of warmth, excitement, and comfort," said Caryn Oppenheim, Youth Programs Coordinator at Cradles to Crayons. "This year, we truly came together as a state. Our call to action was answered and for that we are grateful."

Massachusetts libraries represented 58 of the 93 participating organizations in this year's drive and collected more than 3,100 of the 6,100 total pairs of pajamas. Libraries also collected $3,400 of the $8,200 in financial donations.

Roza Khorshidi, MFT Clinician at The Home for Little Wanderers, a social service partner that benefits from the PJ Drive, spoke about the drive's impact.

"I work with a family of four, one single mom and three kids aged 7, 5, and 4. They have been homeless for almost all of their lives," Khorshidi said. "I remember their mother once said, 'This is the first time in their lives that they have pajamas and are supposed to change before bedtime. They're very excited about it.'"

To encourage participation, the Boston Bruins offered special prizes to the top three collectors:

First Place: Jonathan Bourne Public Library
New PJs: 1343
Funds raised: $3,080
The library collected 21% of the total pajamas goal and 38% of the total funds goal.
Prize: Street hockey clinic with Bruins alumnus

Second Place: Bishop Fenwick High School and St. John Baptist School
New PJs: 748
Funds raised: $135
Prize: Special Bruins Mascot (Blades) appearance

Third Place: Sandwich Free Public Library
New PJs: 315
Funds raised: $45
This was the library's first PJ Drive.
Prize: 200 commemorative Bruins PJ Drive pucks

Library participation was coordinated by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The MBLC also partners with the Boston Bruins and the Massachusetts Library System for statewide summer reading programs at public libraries.

About MBLC

The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.