Thanks to Monroe Elementary's 2nd and 3rd grade classes, children at the YWCA House of Peace in Batavia will be warm and cozy with new pajamas this winter and ready to snuggle up with a new book at bedtime.
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| Monroe 2nd and 3rd grade teachers Ann Marie Anderson, Jennifer Huelsmann, Melanie Shoemaker, Malinda Hawkins, Staci Heiden along with Stephanie Shoe of the YWCA and the 2nd/3rd grade students who donated to the Scholastic Pajama program in lieu of tradition holiday gift exchanges. |
"The 2nd and 3rd grade classes at Monroe Elementary voted to participate in the Scholastic Pajama Program in lieu of a gift exchange this year," said Monroe 3rd grade teacher Staci Heiden. "Scholastic Book Club donates a new book for every pair of pajamas that came in. Monroe was able to collect 60 pair of brand new pajamas for the kids at House of Peace."
Pajama Program is a nonprofit organization that provides new books and new pajamas to children in need, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted. Since 2001, Pajama Program has donated over one million pajamas and books to children nationwide.
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| Monroe 3rd grade teacher Staci Heiden (top right) and some of her students help Stephanie Shoe from the YWCA House of Peach box pajamas collected by Monroe students in lieu of a holiday gift exchange. |
In past years, Monroe students have given to organizations such as the Clermont County Animal Shelter and the Yellow Ribbon Center in lieu of gift exchanges.
