Oil City church’s pajama collection underway

From staff reports

The pajama collection project is up and running for the 11th year at Christ Episcopal Church in Oil City.

From now through mid-December, the church will gather new sleepwear in infant through adult sizes. Each pair of pajamas will be matched with an age-appropriate book and given to a child in Venango County,

Organizer Sarah Margherio, a retired teacher, began the collection and distribution project in 2011 as an outreach project for Christ Episcopal Church. Since the beginning of this project, donations have poured in from parents of former students, former and current teachers, neighbors, social groups, former classmates, and church members.

“I love that so many people see the importance of children having books, pajamas and a nighttime routine, because every child deserves a good night.” Margherio said.

The first few years, a little over 200 pairs of pajamas were collected and distributed. Every year since then the number of donations and the need have grown. In the past three years, over 650 sets of pajamas and books were distributed each year to students in the Oil City and Cranberry Area school districts, Jamie’s Kids, Community Services, and Family Services.

“We are so very grateful to the local community for their support of this project,” Margherio said.

With limited shopping in the area, many people choose to give a cash donation or order pajamas online and send them directly to the church or Margherio.

Donations can be dropped off weekdays at Christ Episcopal Church, 16 Central Ave., or anytime at 552 Bouquin Circle.

 

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