The Warrior Charity Club at Woodhaven Upper Elementary is once again making a meaningful impact in our community - this time by collecting comforting essentials for children experiencing homelessness and displacement through an initiative called Project Night Night.
Led by teachers Mrs. Jennifer McCollum and Mrs. Stephanie Jaskolski, the club organized a drive to collect new blankets, age-appropriate books, and stuffed animals for children 12 and under. These donations will become part of “Night Night Packages,” carefully crafted bundles that provide warmth, security, and joy during times of upheaval.
Each package includes:
A new security blanket to cuddle
An age-appropriate book to promote literacy and family bonding
A stuffed animal to offer comfort and companionship
All items are packed into a new canvas tote, ready to be delivered to children in shelters.
For Mrs. Jaskolski, this project is more than just an act of charity - it’s deeply personal.
“Project Night Night means so much to me because it represents something deeply personal,” she shared. “We chose it as our charity because I grew up surrounded by domestic violence and experienced the fear and instability that comes with it. As a child, I often had to leave in the middle of the night with nothing but a garbage bag of belongings. The idea of giving children something of their own - something that brings comfort during such a frightening time - truly resonates with me.”
“Domestic violence is a hard subject to talk about, but that’s exactly why it’s important to bring light to it,” she added. “Through Jennifer’s charity club and my work with the student council, we’ve found a way to give back to kids and moms in crisis - offering hope, dignity, and a small sense of security when it’s needed most. I am so grateful that Jen McCollum is willing to do so much for this project and charity with me.”
Project Night Night is a nonprofit founded in 2005 by Kendra Robins to support mothers and children affected by domestic violence, homelessness, and displacement. Based in San Francisco, the organization distributes over 30,000 Night Night Packages each year through volunteers across the country.
Mrs. McCollum shared that the Warrior Charity Club’s connection to this project has come full circle.
“The original founder of the Warrior Charity Club was a sibling of one of my current students and asked me to start this club to give blankets to the homeless,” she said. “We no longer do that particular drive, so I was so excited when Mrs. Jaskolski brought this to our attention. My group is phenomenal and is coming through big time.”
With 1 in 30 children facing homelessness each year, efforts like this are more important than ever. The Warrior Charity Club hopes their collection will not only bring smiles but also a sense of comfort and security to children in crisis.
“I love when Mrs. McCollum walks into my office with a big smile and says, ‘I have an idea for the Warrior Charity Club!’” said Woodhaven Upper Elementary Principal Roger Gurganus. “Her passion to help those in need and to teach our students to care about others is something that makes her one of the best!”
This project is just one of many ways Woodhaven Upper Elementary continues to live out its values of compassion, community service, and student leadership.
Together, we can help every child sleep a little better at night.