Pajama drive continues in Noxon

Pajamas, PJs, jammas or jammies...stripes, solids, flannels, fleece, silk, cotton, nightgown, long sleeves, short sleeves, pants or shorts, footed set or a union suit? The options are endless and Noxon's National Honor Society (NHS) has honored the late Kathy Fitchett by continuing the Pajama Drive she began years ago.

Under the direction of Lucas MacArthur, NHS members "put their heads together to come up with a special community service project," MacArthur shared, adding that the society participates in usual highway clean-ups and blood drives as well.

"Seven years ago, our first-grade teacher, Mrs. Fitchett, started a PJ drive every winter. She would set out a box and collect PJs from her first-grade students and parents," MacArthur said. Sadly, Fitchett passed away a little over two years ago. As all great teachers do, she engraved a lasting impression on students who feel fortunate enough to have had her in first grade.

MacArthur and his students thought it would be a meaningful gesture to honor and share the love the school has for Fitchett while helping fellow community members.

"We decided to revive Mrs. Fitchett's PJ Drive because she was a very important person to so many kids in the school and community," MacArthur said. "She made a huge impact in our lives."

And so, NHS students posted fliers announcing their efforts, and placed boxes throughout the Noxon and Trout Creek communities where pajamas were collected. In all, 43 pairs of jammies were donated. MacArthur stated that half of the sets were bestowed to Sanders County Coalition for Families and the other half to the Noxon Community Food Bank.

Seniors Madison Koonce, Kali Murray and Delany Weltz are NHS members who lead the pajama collection effort, whole honorary freshman members Cade VanVleet, Jaedyn Murray, Natalie Brubaker, Rachel Ehinger, Vanessa Horner, Andy Koonce, Gabby Stough, and Laurel Miller also supported the endeavor.

MacArthur said that he is sure this drive will take place again next year, and because of its success, will continue to grow with more participation. "I really want this group to be a lot more active in the community," MacArthur shared. "I want them to see what a positive thing this is."

Noxon's NHS organizes two blood drives every year, one in the fall and one in the spring. They will team-up with the Noxon Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) club to administer an American Red Cross spring blood drive. For dates on the blood drive or for more information on the NHS or community services contact MacArthur via email at [email protected] or call 847-2442.