PJ Day for the Kids will return to West Hartford Public Schools on Dec. 8, 2023.

PJ Day for the Kids returns on Dec. 8, 2023. Courtesy photo

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This year marks the 13th anniversary of PJ Day for the Kids in the state of Connecticut.

Each year, students and staff across the state wear their PJs to school and donate $1 or more to support the kids at Connecticut Children’s, who wear their PJs for long periods of time while undergoing treatment. All money raised on PJ Day stays local; directly assisting patients at Connecticut Children’s by funding research at the hospital’s Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders.

This Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, students and staff at all West Hartford Public Schools will once again participate in PJ Day for the Kids by wearing their pajamas to school and making donations.

Alanna Goldberg, WHPS PJ Day co-coordinator, has a personal connection to CT Children’s and PJ Day. Goldberg said, “It has been almost 20 years that our family has been connected to Connecticut Children’s and has been engaged with fundraising efforts for the amazing hospital that treated our baby. Back in 2004, when he was 6 months old, our son was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. We saw firsthand what it meant to spend day after day in pajamas on the 8th floor at CT Children’s. When PJ Day for the Kids slowly began spreading across the schools, our son was in eighth grade and helped to make the event a success at his middle school. I am thrilled to co-chair the event this year for WHPS, as it is a special day for all of our students and staff. It’s an event we look forward to participating in each year as we teach our children the meaning behind the day and help raise money for a great cause that is near and dear to my heart.”

Emily and James Sullivan and their family are long-time active supporters of PJ Day for the Kids. When their daughter was battling cancer, friends and family would often ask how they could help. “To everyone who knows a child battling cancer – THIS is how you can help! It means so much to families to feel this level of support. When you participate in PJ Day, it provides families with HOPE and reminds them that they are not fighting this battle alone. It is appreciated more than you know,” Emily Sullivan said.

PJ Day for the Kids returns on Dec. 8, 2023. Courtesy photo

PJ Day for the Kids has raised over $2.7 million! Our West Hartford Public Schools community is committed to doing what we can again this year. “Thank you for your help, support and generosity! WHPS has repeatedly been a top fundraising team of this event, and with your continued support, we really can make a difference!!” said Laura Nichos, WHPS PJ Day co-coordinator.

To make a donation in support of the WHPS team, scan the QR code with your phone’s camera, or follow this link. Checks are also welcome (payable to Connecticut Children’s Foundation, Inc. or to your child’s school with “PJ Day” in the memo line). Thank you for your kindness and support!

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