Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive: Frequently Asked Questions

BASICS

What is Beyond Bedtime (formerly Pajama Program) and what does the organization do?  

See Our Story and learn about Our Purpose.

Who are the pajamas and books helping?  

The pajamas and books are tools for comforting bedtime routines for children facing adversity throughout the country. These children, facing challenges such as housing instability and low family income, are particularly vulnerable when it is time for them to go to bed. Every night in America, too many children do not get the sleep they need, compromising their health, school performance, and emotional well-being.  Healthy sleep is crucial for the development of young brains and bodies, significantly impacting their overall health and well-being. A comforting bedtime routine helps children get the healthy sleep they need to thrive.  

Providing these bedtime basics—a cozy pair of pajamas and an inspiring storybook—sets the stage for a good night’s rest.  

What is a Program Partner?  

Program Partners are community-based nonprofit organizations across the United States such as Title I schools and Head Start programs, shelters, and foster care and social service agencies. Organizations are considered for partnership through a thoughtful vetting process led by our program team, ensuring alignment with our mission, values, and the goals that guide our work. Program Partners are based in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The pajamas you and your students collect will benefit the children under the care of a Program Partner.   

REGISTERING AND REPORTING  

How do I register for the Drive? 

All educators must register their classes/schools to participate in the Drive. Click here to register your class/school. 

You will receive a registration confirmation email that contains your unique reporting link. ALL PARTICIPANTS should make sure to SAVE THEIR REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EMAIL. 

At the conclusion of your drive, you should use your unique reporting link to let Beyond Bedtime know how many pajamas you collected. We will then match you with one of our Partners in your area. We cannot guarantee that your pajamas will be matched with Scholastic books if you do not use your unique reporting link to report your collected pajamas.

I can’t find my registration confirmation email! What do I do now?  

Beyond Bedtime will send all participants reminder emails containing the information needed to report your pajama collection. If you lost those as well, please reach out to us at dmerz@beyondbedtime.org.  

COLLECTING PAJAMAS

Do the pajamas have to be new?  

Yes. Beyond Bedtime collects new pajamas, only. We believe all children are entitled to something of their very own, which is why we do not accept used or even gently used items.

What kinds of pajamas should I collect?  

Pajamas should be a complete set—a top and matching bottom, or a onesie (please refrain from donating nightshirts or nightgowns).  

Pajamas for all seasons, but especially warm, cozy ones at this time of year are preferred. We recommend avoiding religiously themed pajamas (e.g., Christmas-themed pajamas), as the child who receives the pajamas may have differing beliefs and will wear them beyond the holiday season as well.  

What pajama sizes are needed most?  

At this time, Beyond Bedtime accepts new pajamas for children ages 0-12. (Some children wear adult sizes.)  

TRANSPORTING PAJAMAS

Will someone come to pick up my pajama collection?  

Educators are responsible for managing the transportation of their pajama collection. Some Chapter Presidents and some Partners are able to pick up pajamas, but this depends on the Chapter President and Partners in your area. In general, educators should plan to drop off their collected pajamas.

Where do I send my pajama collection?  

After you use your unique reporting link to let Beyond Bedtime know how many pajamas you collected, we will match you with one of our Partners in your area. You will then be able to coordinate with the Partner about sending/dropping off your collected pajamas. You are free to get your collected pajamas to your matched Partner in whatever way you and your Partner discuss and agree on.

Can I drop off my Beyond Bedtime donation or ship it?  

See the answer to “Where do I send my pajama collection?” above. 

GENERAL

The FAQs page does not answer my question or address my concern. Who can I reach out to for further information?  

If the FAQs page does not answer your question or address your concern, you may email your questions to dmerz@beyondbedtime.org.  

I sent a question to Beyond Bedtime, but I haven’t heard from anyone.  

Since we typically work with a large number of classrooms around the nation during this drive, our responses may be delayed. We deeply appreciate your patience as our staff works to get back to you as soon as possible. If 14 or more days have passed without a response, we encourage you to send a follow-up email.  

How do we make sure books will be donated to Beyond Bedtime by Scholastic?  

Beyond Bedtime will send a matching set of Scholastic books from their national distribution center in the months after the completion of the Drive. You only need to report your collected pajamas using the unique reporting link in your registration email. We cannot guarantee that your pajamas will be matched with Scholastic books if you do not use your unique reporting link to report your collected pajamas.