By Kasie Bolling
BUFORD Ga. – Since its launch in 2018, the nonprofit Jambos has sought to serve as a shining light on an uncomfortable journey by bringing brand-new pajamas to kids in foster care.
Over the last six years, the Georgia-based nonprofit has grown by leaps and bounds as word of its mission spreads like wildfire. In 2021 alone, it collected 21,000 pairs of pajamas, expanded its reach by 26 states in the U.S. and four countries the world, debuted new warehouse space in The City of Buford’s Tannery Row and launched its “Jambos-To-Home” program to deliver new PJs directly to the front doors of foster families. The year 2022 promises even more changes with the launch of Jambos’ Putting Fore Pajamas Golf Tournament at Chateau Elan on May 13. A benefit gala will also be hosted later in the year.
Still, at the heart of it all, Jambos’ purpose remains simple, yet impactful.
Jambos founder and CEO, Rebekah Black of Duluth, says: “As an organization we exist to bring comfort to the journey of thousands of kids in foster care. Oftentimes, as children enter the foster care system, they arrive at their foster homes with very few of their own belongings. We have heard stories of foster families receiving children with only the clothing on their backs.
“We understand that the transition from home to home can be very abrupt and sudden. This transition is uncertain, and those kids can be understandably anxious, so we are on a mission to provide pajamas to bring a cozy night’s rest, a little bit of peace of mind and, hopefully, an awareness that they are loved – even by people they don’t even know.”
12Stone Church is among Jambos’ many supporters, having partnered with the nonprofit for the last two years with a year-end pajama drive. Its congregation members donated over 14,000 pairs of pajamas to Jambos for children in the foster care system.
Jason Berry, co-senior pastor for the church, says: “At 12Stone Church, we love to serve our community by coming alongside organizations like Jambos that are committed to providing for the most vulnerable. We are excited to see Jambos have such a profound impact on children in foster care with something as simple as a pair of pajamas.”
As it heads into 2022, Jambos now boasts a presence in 31 states and seven countries with 371 registered volunteers and 83 donation sites. Black further states: “The year 2022 will be a huge year for us as we take on more territory hoping to serve kids in all 50 states! We are currently revamping the way we serve the Department of Family and Children’s Services and foster agencies to make our processes more efficient and streamlined. Our goal is to deploy over 1,000 pairs of pajamas a month for the second year in a row. We love when the community takes part in bringing comfort with us. From hosting a pajama donation site to volunteering in our warehouse, our supporters’ efforts make a huge difference!”
To volunteer or learn more about Jambos, Black invites interested parties to visit www.jambosdonates.com.
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