Pajama Program fundraiser hopes to hit the 2,000 mark

What started as a one time fundraising idea is now in its fifth year. In January 2009, the then Wauconda Area Junior Miss, Sarah Ulrich and Little Miss Meg Basco decided to help The Pajama Program by collecting new pajamas and new books.

They distributed fliers and placed collection boxes in various locations in the Wauconda Area. Meg and Sarah even held a Pajama Bowling party. Again this year they are teaming up with the Northern Illinois Scholarship Program, The Lake County Community Pageant Queens, the Wauconda/ Island Lake area Girl Scouts. Over the past 4 years, with the help of the local community groups, churches, schools and businesses, they have collected 738 pairs of pajamas and 929 books. They are hoping this will be the year to break the 2000 mark.

The Pajama Program is a nonprofit organization providing new pajamas and new books to children in shelters or group homes or who are waiting for someone to adopt them. They are livening in temporary housing after a natural disaster, their parents are in jail or they are homeless. It is the hope hat every child will have a warm pair of pajamas and a bedtime story.

If you would like to help, please look for the designated collection boxes at Robert Crown Elementary School, Transfiguration Church and School, Frassati Catholic Schools, Messiah Lutheran School, The Academy of Ballet, Bliss Wine and Gifts and the Green Bench Antiques in Wauconda, Cotton Creek Elementary School in Island Lake and Elite Dance Co. in Mundelein.

Collection boxes will be out until Sunday February 24. New pajamas, sizes infant to children's size 16. for boys and girls are needed along with new books.

For additional information e-mail pjdrivequeens@yahoo.com or sarahnulrich@yahoo.com or call Mary Ulrich at 847.721.5563.