As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, Cordell Elementary continues its student- favorite tradition with a big impact—the Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive! This annual event, led by Cordell Elementary’s Reading Specialist, Mrs. Chanda Powers, invites students and the entire community to donate brand-new pajamas to children in need, ensuring they experience warmth, comfort, and a bit of holiday magic during challenging times.
Mrs. Powers had led the pajama drive every year since 2014 when she first heard about the initiative through a Scholastic Book Club flyer. She contacted the Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive, which paired Cordell Elementary with the City Rescue Mission in Oklahoma City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those facing or at risk of homelessness. Her first-grade class collected 45 pairs of pajamas that first year—those same students are now high school juniors! The pajama drive has continued to grow each year, and last December, Cordell Elementary students, staff, Cactus Drilling employees, and the local community donated an incredible 413 pairs of pajamas.
Why Pajamas?
Pajamas may seem simple, but they bring children warmth, comfort, and a sense of security. Each pair donated goes directly to the City Rescue Mission, where children experiencing homelessness or other adversities will receive the donations.
“The pajama drive is a meaningful cause for us because it helps children and families that are in need feel comforted and cared for. It is a way to make a positive difference in the lives of many women and children who are going through challenging times during the holidays,” shared Mrs. Powers.
Every child should have a cozy pair of pajamas and an engaging storybook to help them drift off to sleep. Because of this, Scholastic adds to the joy of giving by donating a brand-new storybook to accompany each pair of pajamas given to a child facing adversities.
The need to comfort as many children as possible is never-ending, and all sizes are welcome! Brand-new pajamas for ages 0-12, from newborn to children’s XL, are most requested. Pajamas must be a complete set—either a top and bottom or a onesie.
“The pajama drive has been an incredible initiative giving homeless children at City Rescue Mission a sense of comfort and dignity over the past decade. For these kids, a new pair of pajamas means more than warmth; it’s a reminder that the community cares about them and their well-being. This annual effort not only meets a practical need but also brings joy and a feeling of security to children who are facing challenging circumstances. I mean, who doesn’t love a brand new pair of cozy pajamas?” said Shellie Holt, City Rescue Mission Events Director.
If you would like to donate a pair of brand-new cozy pajamas to a child in need but don’t have a student at Cordell Schools, contact Mrs. Chanda Powers at Cordell Elementary at (580) 832-3420 or drop off your donation at the main lobby entrance.
“You do not have to attend Cordell Elementary to donate!” Mrs. Powers shares. “We have many loyal community members, employees at Cactus Drilling, and various vendors that continue to donate after all these years. We truly appreciate their continued support.”
For families and community members alike, this pajama drive is an easy way to make a lasting impact in the life of a child facing adversity. The final day to donate is Friday, December 13th.
Let’s come together in the spirit of the season to bring joy, comfort, and a good night’s sleep to a child this holiday.