Jammie Drives Deliver Comfort
Pajamas are something you probably take for granted. But for a child who is in the hospital or homeless, a new pair of clean, warm jammies can make a world of difference. PJs can provide some comfort and normalcy to a stressful and uncertain childhood.
Jasmine Gray, "Jaz", had such a childhood. She was born with a rare facial defect called Arteriovenous Malformation. She spent many days and nights in hospitals as a child in Memphis, Tennessee. She has had nearly 40 surgeries in her young life. She wanted to do something to help kids in similar circumstances.
In 2006, when Jaz was only 17, she created Jaz’s Jammies. The non-profit organization is an extension of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Since that time, the organization has collected more than 5,000 pairs of new pajamas to give to children in need.
"Something as simple as a pair of pajamas can brighten a child’s day. That one brightened day can lead to a brightened week, and that brightened week can lead to a hopeful future,” Jasmine says.
Her group began by donating pajamas to hospitals in Memphis and Little Rock, Arkansas. Now 27, Jaz is a documentary film producer living in Los Angeles. She’s expanded the effort to help children in Nashville and Los Angeles, and expanded its mission. The organization now gives pajamas to some of the more than 1,000,000 children who are homeless on any given night.
Even with Jaz in LA, the organization's roots remain strong. Her mom, State Farm agent Janice Gray, and dad, Eddie, have become the voice for Jaz' Jammies in her hometown.
"It is so heart-warming to see the smiles on the faces of children when they receive their new pajamas,” says Janice.
Janice’s sorority sisters are among those supporting the ongoing “jammie drives". Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Phi Lambda Omega Chapter donated $1000 to Jaz's Jammies Incorporated. In addition to donating, they delivered new pajamas to sick children at St. Jude and Le Bonheur Children's Hospitals.
Learn how you can help by visiting jazsjammies.org.
