According to the Georgia Department of Education, more than 15,000 children attending school were homeless last year. It's a statistic that has sparked a movement to provide some comfort for kids living in poverty.
Nothing sets the tone for a good winter night's sleep like a nice, warm pair of pajamas and a good book. But kids all over Georgia sleep in the same clothes they went to school in, and there's something you can do to change that.
It was a special, surprise afternoon party for kids at an Atlanta shelter, complete with Christmas music, face painting and a tree. But the gifts surrounding the tree were more valuable than any toy.
The children, currently living in a My Sister's House shelter, were given brand new pajamas.
"There are children who are just living in situations where they don't have adequate heat. They might not have a bed like you and I think of to sleep in, and it's just cold," said Tanya Coventry-Strader of Carter's, Inc.
It's called the danger season and happens across the country. An organization called the Pajama Program has made it a mission to provide new pajamas to the nation's more than 1 million children living in shelters or foster care. Salese Mastan says she's working hard to provide for her son, but this gift helps.
"I think it's wonderful. My kids do not have pajamas, and so this is just a wonderful experience for them to come here and have fun," said Mastan.
Clothing companies Carter's Inc. and OshKosh B'gosh sponsored the pajama party. The kids were given books to go along with their new pajamas. But the party wasn't truly complete without one last surprise – an appearance by Santa!
"That toy under the tree they might play with it for a couple of days, and then it gets put to the side but a pair of PJs, they use every single night. And every night when they crawl into bed they are reminded that they have those warm pj's. It's like a hug," said Strader.
The Pajama Program needs you to help accomplish its goal of keeping kids warm at night. You can donate a new pair of pajamas at any Carter's store for only $8. There is a collection bin at the Alliance Theater. Donations can also be made online. Donations made in a local Carter's store will be given to a local shelter. For more information, click here!
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
