Our Impact

Pajama Jams, established in 2008, has been a steadfast supporter of children in Hampton Roads, VA, and Wilmington, NC. We have provided over 20,000 pairs of pajamas to kids in need. In response to the growing demand, we're extending our reach further. Beyond hosting collection events and serving as drop-off points, we encourage you to contribute through cash donations. Your generosity ensures more children experience the comfort of a peaceful night's sleep.

We've collaborated with vital organizations such as The Forster Pantry, the Carosel Center, Samaritan House, and ForKids, supporting children's well-being in tangible ways. Local schools, including BF Williams Elementary and Rachel Freeman Elementary School, have benefited from our donations. Thanks to the active involvement of sponsors like the Girl Scouts, Norfolk Admirals, IKEA, Whole Foods Market Virginia Beach, and numerous others, this initiative has thrived. Your dedicated community spirit and generosity continue to transform the lives of children in our area. Thank you for being an essential part of this meaningful endeavor.

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Volunteer

Our Mission

For over 15 years, Pajama Jams has dedicated itself to ensuring every child experiences bedtime as a haven of warmth and care. Since our establishment in 2008, we've provided over 20,000 children in Hampton Roads, VA, and Wilmington, NC, with snug nights and dreams woven in comfort.

Our mission expands beyond pajamas; it's about transforming bedtime into a sanctuary of solace and hope. With the unwavering support of our community and donors, we're steadfast in our mission to make every night a peaceful and comforting sleep for children in need. Join us as we continue this heartfelt journey.

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FAQ

What sizes of pajamas do you collect?

We collect pajamas in sizes ranging from 5T to Adult XXL.
Do the pajamas have to be new?

Yes, we kindly request that all donated pajamas be brand new.
Do you collect both boys' and girls' pajamas?

Absolutely, we collect both boys' and girls' pajamas to ensure every child's needs are met.
Who receives the pajamas?

The pajamas are distributed to school-age children in Hampton Roads, VA, and Wilmington, NC. However, if you know of a community outside these areas that could benefit, please don't hesitate to reach out, and we'll do our best to assist in facilitating the process.
How can I become a drop-off location or a sponsor?

Click on the links to become a drop-off location or a sponsor. We'd be thrilled to have your support!
Can I donate cash?

Yes, you can certainly donate cash HERE to support our cause. We offer various sponsorship tiers to match your philanthropic goals, and you can find more details HERE
Where can I drop off pajamas?

We have numerous drop-off locations in our supported communities. You can check our HERE or contact us directly to find the nearest drop-off location to you.
WAYS to Give
1. One-Time Online Donation: You can make a one-time donation directly through our website. Just visit the donation page and follow the prompts to make a secure online payment using your preferred payment method.
2. Monthly Recurring Gifts: Consider setting up a monthly recurring gift through our website. This allows you to make regular, automatic contributions, providing ongoing support to our cause.
3. Check: If you prefer to donate by check, please make the check payable to "Pajama Jams" and mail it to our address. You can find our mailing address on our website's donation page.
4. Cash Sponsorship: We offer different cash sponsorship tiers to suit your philanthropic goals. Your cash sponsorship helps us continue our mission of providing comfort, warmth, and security to children in need. You can find more information about our sponsorship tiers on our website.
5. In-Kind Donations: Besides cash donations, you can also contribute by hosting an in-kind pajama drive. Collect new pajamas in various sizes and drop them off at one of our designated locations. We appreciate your generosity and support in helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need.

History

Our Humble Start ~ Erika Tucker’s Story

What started as a life lesson for her children has grown into her life’s work. Military wife and mother of three, Virginia Beach resident Erika Tucker always believed in giving back to her community. She knew she wanted to instill that value in her young children. Her lightbulb moment came on Christmas Eve in 2008.

Erika explains, “It is our tradition to open one gift on Christmas Eve. Every year, I took delight in wrapping up matching pajamas for my children. Then one year, it all changed. My then 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter made no bones in expressing their disappointment. They wanted to open the latest video game — not some “dumb” pair of pajamas. In what I considered a teachable moment for my kids, I began to lecture them on how many children would give anything to receive just a pair of pajamas for Christmas.

But, it was not enough for me to state it, I decided to show them with deeds. I wanted them to see that although they were blessed with many material possessions, there was much more to life. And that is how Pajama Jams was founded. For my kids, it became a mission of gratitude and giving back. For the thousands of needy children in our community, it has become a labor of love — one pair at a time.”

About Erika Tucker

Erika Tucker is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and holds a BFA Textile Design. Before becoming a full-time mom and military spouse, Erika was a fashion marketing manager for Cotton Inc. in NY, where she managed the research and direction of color, fabric, and styling of home fabrics and floor covering markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia. She was also an independent art instructor for the Creative Learning Academy where she taught an after school art enrichment program to elementary and middle school children.