EJ’s PJs will kick off the holiday season on December 5 with its Sugar Plum Dreamers Pajama Extravaganza at Connect Church in Centereach, a festive community celebration with a powerful mission: ensuring every child has a cozy pair of pajamas.
The annual event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., features holiday music, giveaways, photos with Santa, and a large-scale pajama drive to support families across Long Island and beyond.
The celebration comes as EJ’s PJs—founded by Centereach resident Patricia Poggi—continues its remarkable expansion from a small front-porch effort into a national symbol of comfort and kindness. Poggi began the project 14 years ago by giving away 34 pairs of pajamas from her home, naming the organization after her sons Edward, Jeremy, and Patrick. Today, EJ’s PJs has distributed more than 16,000 pairs, with a goal of reaching 20,000 by the end of 2025.
The organization’s message has spread to other cities, including Louisville, Kentucky, where Poggi travels to support a local effort to keep kids warm. The tradition began with a single act of compassion: a school bus driver who noticed a child was too embarrassed to participate in Pajama Day because he didn’t own pajamas. His kindness—and Poggi’s response—sparked a movement.
Their mission will be on full display at Friday ‘s Pajama Extravaganza, where organizers are collecting new pajamas in all sizes—from newborn to adult—appropriate for any season. Entry is free, and families are encouraged to stop by, take pictures with Santa, and support the cause.
“All of this began with neighbors helping neighbors,” Poggi said, thanking Brookhaven Town and KerBoomKidz for their support. “That spirit is still what drives us every single day.” Donations and event details are available at EJSPJS.org.