PJ Day Iowa: Lincoln High School Impact

On the last Friday in January, people of all ages across the metro area embraced PJ Day Iowa and donned pajamas, robes and silly slippers as a visible reminder that everyone needs a safe place to sleep at night.

The impact was notable and for one school, the impact didn’t stop there. Des Moines’ Lincoln High School took PJ Day Iowa a step further. Class time was offered for a variety of activities, discussions, making items and collecting donations. Hundreds of students took advantage of these opportunities.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

“…showed me just how close to home this issue is– it never crossed my mind that students around me at school are going through this. It’s been uplifting to be able to help out those in need…” –Patrick, Senior

“I’m glad we could come together as a school to help homeless people instead of judge them.” –Melisa, Senior

Teachers, India Morrow and Myriah Kolar facilitated an activity with students, using plastic wrap and clear packing tape to create life-size faceless figures to represent the homeless people living on the streets who are many times ignored or treated as invisible.

Morrow explained, “These clear representations of human beings were then stuffed with colorful notes of encouragement to give them color and help them be seen and raise awareness of the homeless issue in Des Moines.”

These unique art pieces silently spoke volumes to those passing by in the hallways of the LHS RAILS Academy 9th grade building. Students commented about the statues:

“I want people to know that everyone is important. Being important isn’t based on how much money you have or your looks. When you help someone in need it makes you feel good about yourself and…what you’re doing will help someone else. This project made me have a greater understanding of the world that I live in and I’m glad I could help!” –Jadah, Freshman

“I believe that everyone matters no matter the mistakes that they have made: so our homelessness project means giving [someone] a chance.” –Catherine, Freshman

“This really made me realize that there are bigger problems out there than just me and my problems…I think that’s our job as a society – to help the problem and help people get back up on their feet.” –Cooper, Freshman

“I might give up my time, money and resources, however, what I get back is…the feeling that I’m making a real difference in our community.” –Abigail, Freshman

Lincoln Principal, Paul Williamson, had this to say: “As educators, we need to make sure our students are not only engaged in current issues that impact our community and school, but intentionally teach our students how to help problem solve these challenges for the future. This can’t be done in one day; it must be purposeful and well-planned to have the most impact.”

PJ Day Iowa gives Iowans the opportunity to come together in a very visible way to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness and inspire change in the way the homeless are cared for and viewed. Local students really stepped up to the plate this year and led the charge, offering hope for the future.

If you would like to learn more or get involved, email JoppaKIDS@Joppa.Org.