Local Woman's Efforts Put PJs On Children's Hospital Patients

SAN DIEGO -- Sarita Zouvas wants a lot of children to be comfy and happy.

“It’s comfy. It’s been really cold lately. Hopefully, it will make someone happy,” said Zouvas.

She is gathering hundreds of pajamas for young patients at Children’s Hospital.

"In each bag are 35 pajamas already bagged," said Zouvas.

Zouvas got involved with the Friends of Scott Foundation after her daughter, Isabella, died while being treated for cancer.

"We don't go prepared. You don't take clothes; you don't know what's going on. You get there and they put a gown on them. My first response is, ‘I want to make them comfortable because they're scared.’ I’m bringing pajamas from home to make them more comfortable," said Zouvas.

Comfort is what it’s all about, she added.

"It makes me so sad that they're in there. It makes me glad I actually put a little dent into making them a little bit happier,” said Zouvas.

Most of the pajamas are donated.

“The response has been overwhelming. People think about that child who is sick, they think about how they want to be comfortable in hospital instead of having a gown," said Zouvas.

She said she wants to eventually continue the effort year-round.

"What we would like is to ultimately have throughout the year a set of pajamas as the child checks in after being diagnosed with cancer," said Zouvas.

Zouvas said she has people donating from as far away as Boston. She said she believes her daughter would be proud of her.

Zouvas is grateful to a lot of folks who are a part of this effort, including the Friends of Scott Foundation. Employees of the San Diego Padres, Southwest Airlines and the district attorney’s office have helped.

For more information on this program, visit www.FriendsOfScott.org.