Pajama Connection

05/31/2017

SMILES FOR LIFE TEETH WHITENING CAMPAIGN March-June 2017 Your Teeth Can Lend a Hand to Southern Maryland Homeless Families Have you ever wanted your teeth whitened? Here’s your perfect opportunity to do so, help children in local homeless shelters, AND receive a tax deductible donation for doing so! The Smiles for Life Teeth Whitening Campaign takes place nationwide from March through June. During this time hundreds of dental practices professionally donate their time and supplies to whiten teeth to raise money for seriously ill, disabled, and underprivileged children in their local communities and around the world. In return the patient makes a tax deductible donation of $349 for the cost of the teeth whitening to The Smiles for Life Campaign. 50% of the proceeds go to the national children’s charity and the remaining 50% is given to the dental practice to donate to a charity of their choice. This year St. Mary’s Dental, a local participant in the Smiles For Life Campaign, has selected the Pajama Connection of Southern Maryland to share in proceeds raised from this event! 50% of all funds raised during this campaign will be donated to help ease the burden of everyday life for local Southern Maryland children! Call St. Mary’s Dental today to make your teeth whitening appointment.

St. Mary’s Dental Pajama Connection 28160 Old Village Road http://pajamaconnection.wix.com/pajamaconnection Mechanicsville, MD https://www.facebook.com/PajamaConnection/ 301-884-3248 www.stmarysdental.com https://www.facebook.com/4stmarysdental/
T H E E L K , T H E F OX , A N D T H E S N A K E A few months ago, Sue Smith was contacted by a group of students at the Chesapeake Public Charter School for information and help with their DestiNation ImagiNation project. The students wanted to learn about those in need in our community and ways that they could help them. Part of their assignment was to create a service project for needy children. One of their mothers told the students about PJ Connection and made the connection with Sue. She spent 12 weeks working with the students, teaching them, guiding them, and introducing them to the Three Oaks Shelter manager. The students wrote an 8-minute play to be performed as part of the DestiNation ImagiNation competition. The students won first place in their category at the local level in Annapolis and went on to compete at the state level at UMBC, where they placed 4th out of 14 groups. According to their website, “Destination Imagination, Inc. is a leading educational nonprofit dedicated to teaching students the skills needed to succeed in school, their careers and beyond. We develop project-based learning programs that blend STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education with the arts and social entrepreneurship. Through our programs, students use the creative process to turn their ideas into reality and learn invaluable skills through the process including: Creative & Critical Thinking, Team Building, Problem Solving, Risk Taking, Project Management, Perseverance, Self-Confidence.” Learn more at https://www.destinationimagination.org/ The group’s final project will be to prepare a birthday party for residents at Three Oaks Shelter.

The Hollywood Herald May 2017 Page 7
“CAN’T FIGHT THAT YEARNING” (to the tune of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by Journey) Oh, we need to help these children whatsoever And we really need to let you all know What started out as projects has grown farther We only wish we had the strength to let you know We tell ourselves, we can do projects forever We said there is no reason not to hear That these homeless children need our help together We give their life direction We make everything so clear And even now we ponder Where they can sleep at night They’re looking out the windo And shivering in the night And we’re yearning harder to make sure their lives are right. And we can’t fight that yearning anymore We have had collections, but there’s still some more It’s time to save these children, so we need your Help for these children’s dreams to soar.

Pajama Connection is one of the fastest growing nonprofit organizations to help children in need. They provide clothing and toys to children throughout Southern Maryland in homeless shelters, foster homes, and who are at risk.

05/31/2017

PJ CONNECTION
We have learned that the Three Oaks Womens & Childrens Center does not have TV reception. We will be collecting new and used DVDs and books, suitable for children and teens aged 3 to 18, until the end of June. We would like the children of Three Oaks to continue reading and learning throughout the summer. If you have any questions, text or call Sue Smith at 301-904-3427.

01/29/2017

01/15/2017

PAJAMA CONNECTION UPDATE
January 2017
Pajama Connection Christmas Elves were kept very busy this year, Debbie Brookins coordinated the “Pillow Program” for the Angel Watch, Safe Harbor, Project Echo and Three Oaks Women and Children Shelters. We delivered a pillow, blanket, and pajamas to 46 children two weeks before Christmas. We wish to thank HUMC members, HUMW, Grace Chapel Church, First Saints Community Church, and St. Mary’s Dental Office for their donations. The mothers and kids were so surprised and happy to receive the items.
Our biggest project was to provide Christmas for needy families who do not qualify to “Shop for Tots.” Our referrals come for Charles and Saint Mary’s Social Services. We originally planned 27 kids but we received referrals for 12 more kids Christmas week!! I prayed that we would have enough toys and monetary donations. That week we received unexpected donations and toys from the community. Grace Chapel Church shopped for 11 kids. HUMC provide gifts for 28 kids. Before I knew it, my living and dining rooms turned into a Santa Workshop!! We wish to thank HUMC members, HUMC Preschool, Community individuals, Mt Zion UMC, Lexington Park UMC, St. Mary’s Dental Office, Jared The Galleria of Jewelry for beautiful Stuffed animals, Southern Maryland Realtors, Order of the Eastern Star #107, and Bert’s 50’s Diner. Thanks also to the Pajama Connections Elves; Debbie Brookins, Jennice Guevera, Kris Hills, Dee Snyder, and Betsy Barley.
A Certificate of Appreciation from Charles County Social Services was given to Pajama Connection in recognition of valuable contributions in “adopting” several at risk families for Christmas and all year long being an advocate for children.
Once again, the Lord has performed a “miracle” at HUMC. I feel blessed to be able to serve the Lord in this great program for needy children.
Sue Smith, Pajama Coordinator, ( 301-904-3427)

11/21/2016

PAJAMA CONNECTION UPDATE 10/2016

In our journey of life, the Lord frequently gives us detours. The buyer for our house was unable to renew their contract since their house did not sell. We will be here another year and I will joyfully serve as a Pajama Connection Coordinator with Debbie Brookins.
In August, PJ Connection gave 30 children “back to school” outfits in the four homeless shelters.
Every year we receive beautiful bears and dogs purchased by Jared’s Gallery of Jewelry customers. We have already received 100 bears. The leftover bears from last year will be given to Hip Hip Whoray. This new organization provides birthday parties for children at the four homeless shelters in the Tri-County area.
In November, PJ Connection will partner with Grace Chapel Church, Sarah’s Circle at Mt Zion United Methodist Church and Dr Gina McCray’s Dental Office for our “pillow program”. Debbie Brookins will coordinate donations for the four homeless shelters. Each child, over age four, is given pillow, pillow case, blanket, Christmas pajama’s and book by 12/10. Younger children receive just blanket, pajama’s and book.
In December, we will begin accepting referrals for families in crisis. These families are not eligible for benefits from Department of Social Services and cannot shop at “Toys for Tots”. You can join us in this “joy of giving” by signing up for gift. We provide gifts for 20 children. Sue Smith will have the Christmas sign up book or call 301-904 -3427.
Sue Smith and Debbie Brookins, Pajama Connection Coordinators

08/12/2016

Sues' Pajama Connection provides clothes to kids like those talked about in this article. This is a great idea. St. Mary's Board of Ed lets PJ Connection know when things like this happen. The family may have to go to a laundromat and no money means no clean clothes. The child may only have one or two sets of clothes suitable for school and PJ Connection provides new clothes to them. See the Pajama Connection page for more info.

What a School Discovered About Its 'Bad' Kids Just by Installing Laundry Machines

"I can just look at specific kids and know..."

ijr.com|By Kayla Brandon

07/15/2016

https://www.facebook.com/4stmarysdental/videos/10154251935404402/

06/17/2016

PAJAMA CONNECTION
2016 Spring Update
We received numerous referrals from all four homeless shelters in March and April. Forty PJ totes were given out to shelters and 16 were given to Charles County Social Services.
We gave clothing to two families who had house fires and replaced the children’s toys from left over Christmas toy donations. Three women and their children began to furnish a home after leaving abusive situations. They were also given donations
In May we surprised the moms at Three Oaks Shelter and Safe Harbor Shelter with new pajamas for Mother’s Day! They were all delighted with the pajamas.
Pajama Connection will accept referrals from church members. So if you know a family in need, please give me a call.
Our next big project is in August when we will give each child in the four homeless shelters a “back to school” outfit.
Pajama Connection will start its ninth year on July 1st. I have received so much joy in starting the program and everyone who has opened their hearts and pockets to help these children who have so little. The Lord has blessed our church with this unique program so I am sure he will continue to give us the volunteers to keep it going.
Sue Smith 301-904-3427 & Debbie Brookins 301-904-4882

02/05/2016

Pajama Connection Update
January 2016

Each year Christmas is amazing for Pajama Connection. Thanks to the big hearts and generous donations from Church members, Hollywood Preschool, Community Organizations and other individuals we were able to do two big programs to help needy children.
Our first project we called our “Pillow Program.” Last year the Girl Scouts at Mt Zion United Methodist Church sewed 300 pillow cases for our Pajama totes. Two weeks before Christmas we teamed up again with Girl Scouts. They helped pack 44 totes. Each tote had a pillow, pillowcase, blanket, pajamas and a book. Sarah’s Circle at Mt Zion United Methodist Church donated 15 pillows, 15 blankets and also a monetary donation. The 44 pillow totes were delivered to four homeless shelters in Tri-County area two weeks before Christmas. What a delightful surprise for these children who have so little!
Our next project was to provide Christmas gifts to families in sudden financial crisis. These families were not in the Social Services System so they were unable to shop at Toys for Tots. For the first time ever, thanks to your beautiful gifts and God’s blessings, we were able to provide Christmas to 20 children!! Here are a few of the kids you helped:
Five kids have been living in motel room for one year. When delivered the presents to the parents on 12/21, they had just found a house and were in process of moving.
Two kids whose father lost his job and the family was on the verge of being evicted.
Four teen boys whose father lost his job. The mother and 17 year old son are working part time to help support the family.
One child whose father died seven years ago. Mom has only able to find part time work.
One toddler girl being raised by her grandmother on fixed income.

One teen girl being raised by her single mom on limited income.
Two kids and their 17 year old aunt being raised by their grandmother who lost her job 2 months ago. Two of the children were removed from the home of the drug addicted Mother. Before Thanksgiving the Mother came back and stole her son’s bike. She sold it for drugs. This child cried daily for his bike. The grandmother said it was a “miracle” when our church purchased and delivered the new bike. The 17 year old aunt living in household is working part time to support the family.
Two kids who recently were admitted with their mother to Three Oaks Shelter.
In January we learned of two 16year old boys in two different households. They had to watch siblings open Christmas presents and were told that they were too old for presents. I quickly went shopping to purchase clothing, footballs and basketballs. Needless to say, they were filled with joy to think that strangers would give them Christmas gifts.
I contacted a HUMC Preschool mom who purchased gifts last year. She contacted her Pastor at Grace Chapel Ministries in Helen, MD. Their congregation purchased and wrapped gifts for a family with seven kids. Pajama Connection delivered the gifts to the family.
We had children asking for socks, Chap Stick, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Also requested were blankets since they had holes in their blankets. Needless to say these items were delivered before the holiday.
On December 21 a set of twin boys from Leonardtown had a birthday party. They asked everyone to bring a gift for Pajama Connection. How wonderful it was to see them share in “joy of giving” to those less fortunate!
Thanks to Jenniece Guevara, Debbie Brookins, Dee Snyder, and Kris Hill all totes were packed and delivered by 12/21.
God has blessed us with the opportunity to bring joy to needy children. As long as I have good health I will continue to serve this program which was started seven years ago.
Sue Smith,
Pajama Connection Coordinator
301-904-3427

11/23/2015

Sue and I are about to go out and buy a bike for a young boy who had his stolen by his drug addicted mother so she could buy drugs. We were given the full story by Social Services. We wish to sincerely thank the generosity of the HUMC congregation who - upon hearing the story yesterday - provided enough to buy a replacement bike right then and there. That's just another of many things we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We hope to deliver the bike tomorrow.

This child is just one of the hundreds in the tri-county area Pajama Connection helps each year. We already have 10 children who have fallen through the "safety nets" for Christmas gifts and expect 5 to 10 more requests before Christmas. These children would get nothing for Christmas if not for Pajama Connection. We've gotten some requests as late as 12/23. We get these requests from agencies, shelters, and churches.

Should you have a little extra this year - and I know how hard it is to have that happen - think about Pajama Connection. We do provide a donation letter that you can use at tax time. Checks may be written payable to HUMC - Pajama Connection. The address is Hollywood United Methodist Church 24422 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636. If you'd rather give a gift you can call Sue @ 3019043427 and she can let you know ages, s*x, and any specific wishes. We give to children 0 to 18 yrs old regardless of religion.

11/03/2015

PAJAMA CONNECTION UPDATE

SUMMER & FALL 2015

Pajama Connection would like thank Vacation Bible School instructors, parents and students for the large donation of school supplies for our totes. This helps many children in need to get a good start to the school year and also gives them school supplies to use for homework.

For Mother's Day we surprised seven mothers at Three Oaks Homeless Shelter by giving them pajamas. The shelter manager said “the moms were so excited that you would have thought it was Christmas.”

In August we were busy packing “back to school” totes with school supplies and a new outfit. We were able to show our love by giving 52 children totes in the Tri-County area.

A 5th grader at our church had open heart surgery in April. As part of her recovery she decorated 30 Pajama Connection bears with “get well” hearts. She showed God’s love by giving a bear to each child who was having open heart surgery Children’s Medical Center in Washington, DC.

We received a referral from the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad in June. Two families with six children were temporarily living in l apartment. The children and parents were thrilled with the totes but they also needed new shoes. I wondered if I would have enough money in PJ account to cover the shoes for five children besides new back-to-school clothing. When I put my sale receipts for clothing items I had previously purchased in the church treasurer’s mail slot, I noticed an envelope in PJ Connection mail slot. It was a check from Sarah’s Circle at Mt. Zion Church. It was enough to cover the shoes and other clothing. God has always provided even when I had doubt. This has been opportunity for other United Methodist Churches to unite with us to help children in need in the Tri-County.

Our next project is to give 55 children in four homeless shelters a pillow tote. We started this project last year after the Girl Scouts at Mt. Zion Church sewed 300 pillow cases for Pajama Connection. Each child will receive a new pillow, pillow case, sofa throw, pajamas, and a stuffed animal two weeks before Christmas. Donation of any of the above items will be greatly appreciated.

In December we will start to receive referrals about families who have experienced a sudden hardship such as parent losing a job. They will not have time to qualify for Social Services benefits before Christmas. The children will not have a Christmas unless HUMC/Pajama Connection is there to show our joy and love by providing gifts. We usually receive 15 names with some referrals arriving as late as 12/23. I will have a start a list so you can sign up for a specific toy. If you want Pajama Connection elf’s to do the shopping, you can make monetary donation in your church envelope. Just add PJ Connection to the envelope. Thanks for all your support during the last seven years. God has blessed us with this unique charity. We are the only one in the United States.

Sue Smith

Pajama Connection Coordinator 301-904 3427

06/15/2015

PAJAMA CONNECTION UPDATE
JANUARY 2015
Thanks to your very generous donations Pajama Connection brought lots of joy and smiles to Tri-County area homeless and needy children during the Christmas season. Our first project was inspired by a Girl Scout at Mt. Zion Church. She wanted to earn her "Silver Star" by coordinating a sewing day with the ladies in their church. The Girl Scouts would be taught how to cut fabric, how to sew and press 300 pillow cases for the children in our program. We decided to give 55 children in the four homeless shelters a new pillow, pillow case, blanket, pajamas, and a stuffed animal one week prior to Christmas. Two different Girl Scout Troops helped pack the pillow totes. It was fun to see their excitement and joy in giving to those who are less fortunate. The homeless children, their mothers and shelter managers were thrilled with gifts.

God has given our small church the ability to show our love by providing Christmas gifts to children whose parents are in a sudden family crisis. By having the support from you, the HUMC Preschool, outside organizations, and individuals we were able to provide 10 gifts each to 15 children!!

You were there for: the father who lost his job and could not afford a tree let alone gifts for his daughter who was bullied at school.
You were there for: the kids whose father took all the money and left them and their mother without cash.

You were there for: the kids who got dropped off by the drug addicted mom as she went to rehab. Three days later, she left the rehab and used the $700 food card to buy more drugs and did not return for the children.

You were there for: the single Mom and kids who arrived here from the "Projects" in St. Louis five weeks before Christmas. She lived here as teen in the 1990's and decided she would raise the kids in a rural setting. The three kids go to Spring Ridge Middle School and Lexington Park Elementary School. They told me they loved their schools, teachers and friends. They wanted to live here forever!

You were there for: a nine year old girl who lost her father five years ago. Her single mom is from Africa, and has been working at Walmart. She has no family in the area.

You were there for: 15 year old girl who did not get selected for gifts in the Department of Social Services program. Her mom was told on 12/23 that churches do not like to buy items for teens.
Our reward: is a grateful mother saying "thank you" and telling you her children would not have had a Christmas without our gifts. The children describing their Christmas as: terrific, perfect, tremendous, wonderful and great!!

We are blessed to serve to the Lord with this project!

The leftover toys will be used for birthday presents should a need arise.

I had an unusually rapid response after a Social Worker and I prayed one mid-December morning in a parking lot. We prayed for help for a needy family going through hard times. Within one hour I received phone call from Mt. Harmony United Methodist Women in Anne Arundel County with a check for Pajama Connection. Two hours later I received another phone call from a preschool Mother offering to purchase gifts for a family. Her father said he would purchase extra toys not signed up for. They would do the shopping and deliver all the gifts to my house on 12/20. It is amazing what the Lord can provide with a simple prayer request.

I am grateful for all the time the following committee members give: Debbie Brookins, Jessie Norman, Betsy Barley, Jenneice Guevara, Pat Osborne and Lenore Storey
Thanks again for showing your love with the many donations to this program throughout the year.

Sue Smith, Pajama Coordinator