The success of this year’s EJ’s PJs season is being measured not just in donations, but in the thousands of children and families now sleeping a little warmer thanks to an ever-expanding community effort.
Founder Patricia Poggi said the most recent season was among the organization’s most impactful yet, with more than 7,000 pairs of brand-new pajamas distributed locally and beyond. Beneficiaries included families served by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Help USA, Connect Community & Food Pantry, the Town of Brookhaven INTERFACE Program, EAC, Family Service League, Kids Need More, Christmas Magic, and numerous churches and outreach programs across Long Island. Additional donations reached families in other states, including Connecticut, Kentucky, and Florida.
“To see how far this has grown is incredibly humbling,” Poggi said. “What started on my front porch with 34 pairs has turned into thousands of children feeling comfort, dignity, and warmth. I am so grateful for every volunteer, every donor, and every organization that believes in this mission.”
Poggi emphasized that pajamas are more than clothing. For children facing hardship, house fires, illness, or unstable housing, warm sleepwear offers a sense of normalcy and care. “A pair of pajamas may seem small, but it brings peace, comfort, and joy,” she said. “For many families, it means knowing someone cares.”
The scope of the effort has continued to widen, with collection drives hosted by local restaurants, medical offices, banks, fitness centers, police precincts, hospitals, and county agencies. Volunteers handled sorting, packing, and distribution, often working long hours behind the scenes.
“I truly believe we are all EJ’s PJs,” Poggi said. “This is a community mission. Without the people who give their time, money, and hearts, none of this would be possible.”
Since its founding, EJ’s PJs has distributed more than 16,000 pairs of pajamas, with momentum continuing into the new year as requests for assistance keep coming in.