Mandevilleagency collecting pajamas for kids

SeaMaster Cruises of Mandeville has teamed up with the Pajama Program to assist in providing less fortunate children throughout the country with suitable bedtime clothing.

Owner Liz Fisher said the nationwide cruise agency chooses a nonprofit organization to work with every year. Last year it partnered with the National Kidney Foundation and raised more than $10,000. This year the 129 SeaMaster Cruises franchises, including Fisher’s, are joining forces with the Pajama Program to host a six-month collection drive in their communities.

Fisher said her drive began in March with the drop-off deadline on Aug. 1.

Fisher said the pajamas must be new and can be dropped off on the Northshore at 1705 Louisiana Highway 59 at the Goin’ Postal shop on the corner of Louisiana Highways 1088 and 59 or at Burk Brokerage, 1000 Veterans Blvd. Suite 101, in Metairie on the Southshore.

Fisher also said monetary donations are being accepted.

“So far we’ve got over 25 pairs of PJs, but I think we’ll get more in once the deadline gets closer,” she said.

Fisher said any size night garment is appreciated, but most of the pajamas will be distributed to children in foster systems, especially teenagers.

“Whether they’re for cool weather or warm weather, they will definitely get distributed by the Pajama Program,” Fisher said.

The Pajama Program is a nonprofit organization that provides warm pajamas and books to children, many who are waiting to be adopted, in need throughout the U.S. and world.