'Sweet Dreams' pajama drive benefits children in foster care

Children in foster care will soon be wearing new pajamas thanks to the many community members and partners who donated to Sen. Julie Morrison's "Sweet Dreams" pajama drive.

"During this giving season, our community stepped up to donate nearly 800 pajamas. Adding the scarves, gloves and socks, more than 1,800 items were donated to keep kids in need warm this winter," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

"Because of the generosity of so many donors, children in foster care will have new pajamas and cold weather accessories to keep them warm."

In Illinois alone, more than 21,000 youth in foster care are removed from their homes with only the clothes they were wearing at the time. As residents learned this, they were moved to participate.

A child who had a birthday party requested guests bring a donation to the drive. Businesses served as collection sites so people could donate at locations convenient to them. A knitting and crocheting group created handmade hats, mittens and scarves specifically for the drive.

Local organizations across the area, including libraries, service organizations, private businesses, and churches partnered with Morrison. Through this communitywide effort, Morrison's office was able to collect hundreds of items from people and groups throughout her senate district.

"Working together with Sen. Morrison to collect items to help those in need is something the Northbrook Public Library was excited to participate in," said Kate Hall, the library's executive director.

"The Northbrook community brought in many donations. We were happy to serve as a collection point and to help get the word out about this caring initiative. When units of local government work with our elected officials to help our communities, we are all the stronger for it."

The items collected will soon be distributed by caseworkers to children in Illinois' foster care system.

"The pajama drive wouldn't have been successful without the thoughtfulness of residents and the kind community partners who opened their doors for donations," Morrison said.

"Hundreds of children living apart from their families during the holidays will be the recipients of our neighbors' generosity. Thank you to each and every one of you who dropped off pajamas, socks, and mittens."