Libraries Help Set a New Bruins PJ Drive Record
April 09, 2016
Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us
With help from Massachusetts libraries, the 9th Annual Boston Bruins/Cradles to Crayons PJ Drive soared passed its target goal of 6,750 PJs, collecting more than 8,312 pairs of new pajamas and $11,298.31 in financial donations. This is a new record for the drive.
Massachusetts libraries represented 68 of the 99 organizations that donated to this year's drive. They collected more than 6,000 pairs of pajamas and more than $3,500 in financial donations.
"Libraries were a huge part of the success of this year's drive," said Kerry Collins, Boston Bruins Director of Community Relations. "Libraries serve the entire community, and we appreciate the way library patrons rallied around the drive by donating so many PJs for kids in need."
Bruins forward P.J. Axelsson and his wife, Siw, started the PJ drive during the Boston Bruins 2007-2008 season as a way to give back to their community. The couple collected 1,600 pairs of pajamas for Cradles to Crayons which connects with social service agencies across the state to identify specific children in need.
Amy Riley, a social service partner from MassSTART that benefits from the PJ Drive, spoke about the drive's impact.
"Mario, his mom, and two brothers are living in an apartment that is not heated properly. The bedrooms are very cold at night, and as a result the children are often sick. Mario and his brothers were also not sleeping well and would end up sleeping together in order to stay warm," Riley said. "Cradles to Crayons was able to provide the family with pajamas, warm clothing, bedding, and blankets. This allowed Mom to save money and focus on finding a new, better-heated apartment."
To encourage participation, the Bruins offered special prizes to the top three collectors:
First Place: Jonathan Bourne Public Library
• New PJs: 2,163
• Funds raised: $2,000
• Prize: Street hockey clinic with Bruins alumnus
Second Place: Sandwich Free Public Library
• New PJs: 552
• Funds raised: $260
• Prize: Special Bruins Mascot (Blades) appearance
Third Place: Israel Loring Elementary School
• New PJs: 123
• Funds raised: $2,132
• Prize: 200 commemorative Bruins PJ Drive pucks
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) works with the Boston Bruins to coordinate library participation in the drive. Libraries use the Massachusetts Library System's delivery service, typically used to send books and other library materials, to send pajamas to the MBLC's Boston office. From there, the PJs make a short trip across town to the Cradles to Crayons warehouse. This coordinated delivery system allows libraries all across the state to participate in the drive.
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.