Pajama Connection of Hollywood United Methodist Church has been serving Southern Maryland homeless, foster, and needy children since July 2008. Children, infant to 18 years, of all races and religions are referred to us from seven agencies in the Tri-county area. Every child receives an age appropriate tote filled with pajamas, a stuffed animal, two pairs of socks, an activity book, school suppli
es, a new outfit, a toothbrush and toothpaste and personal care items if a teenager. We wanted each homeless child to have something to call their own as they move from place to place. We have expanded since 2008 and now help needy children identified by various agencies. We deliver to four homeless agencies (Three Oaks Women's Shelter, Angel Watch Shelter, Project Echo and Safe Harbor), four different departments at Charles County Social Services, Lexington Park Rescue Squad, and the St. Mary’s Board of Education, Pupil Services Division. Mary’s Board of Education Homeless Committee has identified over 150 students as homeless since they have no fixed address. We assist these children by giving extra clothing and purchase jackets or coats whenever needed. Last year we delivered 385 pajama totes to homeless, foster, and needy children. Volunteers donate storage space and deliver totes at their expense. The only expense is paper for flyers, stamps and envelopes. The funds we receive are used to purchase new items listed above for the totes that go directly to needy children.
