Suffolk Reporter

Town Clerk Kevin LaValle and Patricia Poggi, founder of EJ’s PJs, will lead the Town of Brookhaven's annual pajama drive on December 12. The event is scheduled from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Connect Church, located at 31 Horseblock Road in Centereach. For further details about EJ’s PJs and donation locations, visit www.ejspjs.org or contact Town Clerk Kevin LaValle’s office at 631-451-6920.

EJ’s PJs Pajama Drive was initiated in 2011 by Patricia Poggi and her sons with the goal of distributing pajamas to children in need. The initiative was named after Poggi's three sons—Edward, Jeremy, and Patrick—who are instrumental in the fundraiser. The project began as a community service effort to help those less fortunate during the holiday season.

The tradition of "Poggi Plaid Pajamas" started within the Poggi family, who wished to extend the comfort of new pajamas to others in their community. Initially beginning with donations from friends and family at their home, EJ’s PJs has expanded to include support from local businesses and drop-off boxes throughout Suffolk County.

Over the years, the pajama drive has seen an increase in donations due to community involvement and local business support. It has created a network of people dedicated to helping children in need by providing them with pajamas during the holidays.

The pajama drive's success has allowed EJ’s PJs to participate in various community events like the Town of Brookhaven’s Annual Youth Interface Program Toy Drive. Such opportunities have enabled them to distribute more pajamas each year.

In December 2021, with assistance from Pastor Hank Kistler of Connect Church and then-Councilman Kevin LaValle, EJ’s PJs hosted a Breakfast & Pictures with Santa Pajama Party. Their target was to collect 1,000 pairs of pajamas; they surpassed this goal by collecting 1,167 pairs through this event and other collection efforts.