New York’s Staten Island By gathering and giving pajamas to Staten Islanders in need, Stephanie Prendergast of Westerleigh has been bringing warmth to her neighborhood for the past 12 years through her Pajamas for Pals initiative.
Prendergast stated that since the initiative is commemorating its 13th anniversary, this year is particularly significant.
This is because, despite battling her own health issues, she continues to lead the meaningful initiative. She had a complete hysterectomy earlier this year after receiving a uterine cancer diagnosis in 2023, and she is now cancer-free.
Prendergast, who is 51, has also been accepting that she will not be able to conceive. She had frozen her eggs and pursued in vitro fertilization in spite of her infertility issues.
Being a mother has always been my dream. I’m mourning the life I believed I would lead. “It’s a lot,” she expressed. Giving is the key to my recovery, in my opinion. My Christmas is today. The pajamas that the community contributed are all over my house.
According to Stephanie Prendergast, “my house is completely filled with pajamas that the community donated.” The image was provided by Stephanie Prendergast.Prendergast, Stephanie
How Pajamas for Pals came to be
Prendergast’s mother, Diana, who overcame several life-threatening illnesses, such as septic shock, a coma, and a heart attack, served as the inspiration for the Pajamas for Pals initiative. Prendergast was inspired to help others by Diana’s perseverance despite her chronic sickness.
‘Pajamas for Pals’ was inspired by Stephanie’s mother, Diana Prendergast. (Image provided by Stephanie Prendergast.)
I owe my salvation to my mother. Prendergast stated, “My mother is the reason I am the woman I am today.”
Prendergast recalled entering McDonald’s with her nephew Matthew, who has special needs and autism, on a November day when she was in her late 30s. She had recently been informed that she would have a difficult time becoming a mother. She saw a small girl in filthy pajamas as they walked in.
She stated, “It broke my heart.” I made a social media post. For me, the human connection is crucial. When the pajamas arrived that first year, the neighborhood and a few schools embraced them.
Pajamas have been mailed to her over the years by local businesses, organizations, and even private citizens from other states and nations. She revealed that she had gathered and given away over 75,000 in total.
Pajamas have been mailed to her over the years by local businesses, organizations, and even private citizens from other states and nations. She revealed that she had gathered and dispersed more than 75,000. The image was provided by Stephanie Prendergast.Prendergast, Stephanie
Through her project, which gathers pajamas, fresh clothes, and other necessities all year long and delivers them to individuals in need, Prendergast is committed to giving back to the Staten Island community.
She emphasized that she donates to people in domestic abuse shelters since she is a survivor of domestic violence. Additionally, she distributes clothing to foster children and others with impairments.
Project Hospitality, ICC Outreach, Together Brothers Inc., Sissy’s Angels, Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, The Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, Safe Horizon, Guyon Rescue, and many other local groups have received her donations.
Pajamas have been mailed to her over the years by local businesses, organizations, and even private citizens from other states and nations. She revealed that she had gathered and dispersed more than 75,000. The image was provided by Stephanie Prendergast.Prendergast, Stephanie
How to receive or make a donation
If someone is truly in need, I want them to get in touch,” she stated.
If you would like to make a donation or receive donated things, call Prendergast at 347-612-1265.
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