In 2004 and 2005, members of First Congregational Church of Akron in partnership with University of Akron Campus for Habitat and University Park Alliance built a house for Habitat.  Volunteers met every Thursday and Saturday to lend a hand or swing a hammer.  Members provided the crew, as many as twenty four workers, with lunches.  Others donated funds or household items such as a dishwasher, microwave, disposal, garage door opener, and back yard fencing. The house was dedicated on May 1, 2005.

First Church continues our relationship with Habitat, giving our time, skills, sweat, and donations.

The Pajama Program, a 501(c)3 charity, provides new pajamas and reading books to needy children, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted. By providing pajamas and books, we help to create a warm and nurturing bedtime environment for vulnerable youngsters living under difficult circumstances.

The Pajama Program was founded in 2001 by Genevieve Piturro and its headquarters is in New York City. The Program provided 140,164 pairs of pajamas and 73,206 books in 2008 alone! Our Chapter, here at FCC, has provided 3,282 pairs of pajamas and 1,277 books and raised $2,793.00 in 2008. We’re currently working with ACCESS, Inc., Amethyst Inc., Battered Women’s Shelter, Beach House Family Shelter, Berea Children’s Home & Family Services, Center for Cultural Awareness, Cleveland Christian Home, Cuyahoga County Children Services, Delaware County Children Services, Domestic Violence Center, Family Transitional Housing, Healthy Tomorrows, Hitchcock Center for Women, Isaiah’s Place, J.C.’s Place, Laura’s Home, Marian’s Closet, New Beginnings Outreach Ministries, Ottawa County Transitional Housing, Red Cross, Ruth Anne’s House, Safe Harbour Domestic Violence Shelter, Sandusky County Department of Child and Family Services, Spicer Street Good Neighbors, Summit County Children Services, The City Mission, Transitional Housing Inc., Wayne County Children Services, Westhaven Youth Shelter, and the West Side Catholic Center & Shelter as we have them approved as Receiving Organizations.

Donation guidelines:
• Pajamas and books must be NEW!
• All sizes are needed – don’t forget the older children!
• Financial donations are always welcome.

For more information, please contact Patty Gillespie at patty@pajamaprogram.org or call (330) 253-5109. Thank you so much for your support of this worthwhile cause.

"Nothing is ever too much to do for a child."