Long Island Collects Pajamas for Kids in Need

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym & Early Childcare Education Program collected children’s pajamas in Syosset and Bellmore on Long Island to help bring new pajamas to kids in need through the L.I. Pajama Program, a local nonprofit.
M.A.T.S.S. Kids' Gym on Long Island
Courtesy M.A.T.S.S.

Last month, the M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym & Early Childcare Education Program held its annual month-long children’s pajama collection and evening pajama play event at its two locations in Syosset and Bellmore on Long Island.

The locations collected pajamas to support a local charity, the L.I. Pajama Program, which brings new pajamas to children who are or have suddenly become homeless.

“This is something we enjoy doing each year to bring awareness that we have a real need in our Long Island communities—especially this year in light of the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy which affected families and staff within our own centers,” says Nancy Wohlsen, director of M.A.T.S.S Syosset.

MATSS Kid Gym on Long Island

To culminate the charity drive, M.A.T.S.S. held a Kids’ Night Out Pajama Party for 95 children, ages 2-10, total, at each of its two locations. The children arrived in their pajamas and enjoyed games and activities, including crafting an edible “sleepy-time” craft, played in the venues’ gyms, and ate pancakes.

This year, the two locations collected more than 100 pajamas for children in need.