Garden City Public Schools

Garden City’s first grade students across Locust, Hemlock and Homestead Schools participated in a meaningful service-learning initiative supporting the 16th annual Scholastic Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive. The drive donates pajamas and books to Beyond Bedtime, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting equitable access to healthy sleep.

To contribute, students completed age-appropriate chores at home to earn money for purchasing pajamas for children in need. For every pair donated, Scholastic matched the contribution with a new book. Students also created handmade bookmarks to accompany the donated books, reinforcing the spirit of giving and connection. Teachers guided discussions to help students understand how their efforts directly supported children who are in need.

The day before Thanksgiving break, all first graders wore pajamas to school and attended an assembly with principals, teachers and PTA directors. During the program, the schools showcased the collected pajamas, and students were invited to explain the steps they took — from completing chores to selecting pajamas — and reflect on how their hard work made a difference for others.

This districtwide effort was organized by the Garden City PTA, which introduced and spearheaded the program in Garden City.