Leechburg Rotary, high school club partner for pajama drive

Pajamas, comfy cozy lounge wear and a classic Christmas gift.

They are something the Rotary Club of Leechburg and Leechburg Area High School’s Interact Club want more people to have.

That’s why they have partnered for the second straight year to collect the clothing, as well as children’s books, to be donated to social service agencies this holiday season. The clubs need new pajamas and sleep pants of all sizes.

“Christmas is about giving and not receiving,” senior Essie Talarico said. “This project is a way to give to others that we don’t even know. It feels good to help others in need.”

Pat Gerheim, Rotary member and pajama project chair, said they are on pace to exceed last year’s collection of 100 pairs.

“It will be very successful,’ Gerheim said. “This sounds corny, but there’s nothing like a nice pare of nice pajamas on Christmas morning. I can remember when I was a kid, my grandmother always made us flannel pajamas for Christmas.”

Gerheim is a retired nurse from the former Armstrong County Community Action Agency. She was involved in its Head Start initiative, a preschool child development program.

“I know the need, and Leechburg people are very generous,” she said.

Pajamas will be donated to several groups including Armstrong County Children Youth & Family Services, Helping Abuse Victims in Need (HAVIN) in Kittanning and Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center in Cowansville.

Gerheim said she also acquired a lot of toothbrushes for those organizations through the Pennsylvania Dental Association as part of the project.

Michelle Ferretti, high school teacher and community service coordinator, believes the project helps students learn the importance of giving to those in need.

“Community service is important all year, but the pajama project is really suited to the holidays,” she said. “The Interact Club is excited to be a part of the pajama project.”

The collection continues through Dec. 14.

Drop-off locations

People can drop off pajamas and books at these sites:

• Leechburg Area High School at 215 First St.

• David Leech Elementary at 200 Siberian Ave.

• NexTier Bank at 160 Market St.

• Chuck Smith Flooring at 250 Market St.

• Kiski Valley Uniforms and Supply at 214 Market St.

• Kiski Valley YMCA at 511 Hyde Park Road

• Leechburg Floral at 141 Market St.

• Hunt’s Hilltop Services at 333 Route 66

• First United Methodist Church at 251 Main St.

• First Baptist Church at 111 Siberian Ave.

• Hebron Lutheran Church at 201 Main St.

• Christ the King Parish at 125 Park Road

• Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market at 117 Third St.

• Kalmar Chevrolet at 603 Route 66 in Gilpin

Monetary donations can be sent to Rotary Club of Leechburg Pajama Project P.O. Box 163, Leechburg, PA 15656.

Call 724-991-6923 for more information.