By Peter Goonan | pgoonan@repub.com
SPRINGFIELD — Lauren Baker, the wife of Gov. Charlie Baker, joined Springfield officials at the new East Forest Park branch library on Friday to help kick off the 13th annual PJ Drive to provide new pajamas to needy children around Massachusetts.
The first lady of the commonwealth was joined by Blades, the mascot of the Boston Bruins hockey team, and by local officials and library patrons.
“Last year we were in Pittsfield, this year we are in Springfield and we are trying to get to all of the commonwealth because there are kids in needs of pajamas everywhere,” Lauren Baker said. “We are trying to make that happen.”
The PJ Drive is sponsored by the Boston Bruins in partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the PJ Drive “will go a long way in helping our children.”
The drive benefits the Department of Children and Families Wonderfund and Cradles to Crayons.
All pajamas donated to the drive will be given to children and teens living in foster care, and local donations benefit local children.
“I’m very excited to have this kick off at our new East Forest Park library,” said Molly Fogarty, the city’s director of libraries. “It’s a really very important effort.”
Read more and see all the great photos here!
