FORESTVILLE - This time of year most children are thinking about winter vacation and what Santa will leave them under the tree. However, three children in Forestville are thinking about what they can do to make others' holidays better.
Isabelle, 12, Sam, 9, and Ruthie Butcher, 7, are trying once again to collect pajamas for local children in need. It has been a Butcher family tradition to receive a pair of pajamas on Christmas Eve.
However, after learning less fortunate families can not do the same, they set out last year to make it become a reality for local children.
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Top: Isabelle (left) and Sam Butcher pack up pajama donations which will be distributed to local children in need this holiday. Pajamas can be donated at the Forestville Food Pantry, post office and elementary school.
"Last year we had hoped to get 50 pairs of pajamas and to our surprise we collected 203 pairs," Jessie Butcher, the mom of five, said. "The kids were so excited to deliver them. We did that together and the people who received the pajamas were so grateful."
Last year they were able to donate pajamas to the Forestville Food Pantry, the Neighbor to Neighbor Food Pantry, the Silver Creek Food Pantry and Silver Creek Pediatrics, who also brought some pajamas to their Dunkirk office.
This year the Butchers are trying to collect 400 pairs of pajamas to make twice as many area children smile this holiday season. They have already collected 45 pairs.
"The kids are so excited to do something for others," Jessie added.
This is the first year Ruthie is helping out her older brother and sister but she is just as excited about helping others.
"Ruthie said, 'It is great to do things for others,'" Jessie reported.
They have set up drop boxes for new pajamas for boys and girls sizes newborn to children's size 16 at the Forestville Post Office, the Forestville Food Pantry at 3 Park St., and at the Forestville Elementary School. Pickup is also available by calling Jessie at 257-0936.
