The Deptford Mall has partnered with a local organization for a holiday drive that will gift more than 500 local children with new pajamas.
The partnering nonprofit, South Jersey Dream Center, was founded by Rev. Joseph Fortunato and provides essential support and resouces such as food and clothing to needy families.
“Partnering with the Deptford Mall for the pajama drive is one of our favorite times of the year,” said Natalie Fortunato, executive director of Dream Center. “We are so thankful for all the adorable pajamas that we receive and truly enjoy passing them along to our guests. The parents are so appreciative for something so simple, yet so meaningful, at Christmastime.”
The mall kicked off the drive with a $1,500 financial contribution to the Dream Center on Nov. 15, when volunteer Patricia “Patty” Hamilton was honored in front of mall guests as this year’s local hero. She has volunteered with the center for more than six years and oversees all incoming and outgoing donations. She earned a $500 gift card from the mall.
Guests can bring new children’s pajamas sizes 0 to 5T to a collection bin at Santa’s Toy Shop in the mall’s Center Court. Virtual donations can be made at https://www.southjerseydreamcenter.org/virtual-pajama-drive.
