This March, Stroll Edinburgh is honored to spotlight Jambos, a nonprofit dedicated to providing brand-new pajamas to children and teens entering foster care. In moments filled with uncertainty, a simple pair of pajamas can offer comfort, dignity, and a sense of being cared for.

Founded by Rebekah Black, Jambos began with a desire to meet a very real need. Many children and teens arrive in foster care with little more than the clothes they are wearing. What started as a small act of compassion has grown into a global mission, with Jambos supporting foster and orphan care in 21 countries worldwide.

I started a whole dang company with $12.00, in my parents' living room, as a single mom…

Did I mention I had NO idea where to start? I had NO idea who to turn to for advice. No business plan, no budget! I didn’t even have a business card or landing page, or an Instagram. 

But Now…“This lil idea I had” has raised over $2 MILLION dollars for kids and Foster Care, distributed over 105,000 pairs of brand new pajamas to kids experiencing Foster Care all over the GLOBE, and has engaged thousands of people to volunteer in our community to shine light on the realities of Foster Care! I’m a normal girl with a normal (ish) life and a big dream- just like you.

It took courage and confidence that (some days) I borrowed from people around me. All you gotta do is be brave enough to show up for yourself. Your business idea is just a dream until YOU take the first step. I never would have dreamed that we would be where we are today. 

When I think about our ministry and our Jambos Warehouse, I pray that it is a place where regular, everyday people have the chance to encounter God’s goodness and grace. My prayer is that anyone who jumps in to serve with us has a safe place to be reminded of their faith. Whatever that may look like for them.

Our Warehouse is a special place…I wish everyone could experience the goodness that happens here. Good people doing good. Thank you to this beautiful community for making our warehouse and our ministry what they are. My heart is so full. 

Jambos is always taking donations! You can drop off brand-new pjs for kids or teens at their warehouse in historic Buford, any day, 24/7 (115 E Main st NE, Suite EB1A). This month, we've made it even easier to support Jambos through an Edinburgh Community Donation Drive.

From March 26 through April 1, the Copeland Family is hosting a four-day pajama drive to support Jambos. Residents are invited to donate brand-new pajamas by placing your donation in the Jambos donation box on the porch at 5654 Brendlynn Dr. Donating new pajamas is an easy and meaningful way to make a difference for a child or teen in need. A HUGE Thank You to the Copeland Family for your support of this cause!

Another way to support this mission is by attending the Jambos Gala in March. Tickets are available by scanning the QR code in this issue or by visiting:
https://app.betterunite.com/jambos-thejambosgala

Those unable to attend may still contribute by donating or providing an item for the silent auction. Please contact jo@jambosdonates.org for more information. Follow @jambosdonates on social media to stay connected and engaged.

This organization holds special meaning for me. I have eleven adopted nieces and nephews, all of whom came to our family through foster care or orphan care from around the world. My sister works in the foster care ministry in Honduras, and I was honored to connect Jambos founder Rebekah Black with my sister, Tamara Robinson, founder of La Promesa Honduras (https://lapromesahonduras.org/).

Through that connection, Jambos recently supported La Promesa’s Teen Mom Mentorship Program by funding a pajama party for new Honduran teen mothers and their babies as they complete their training. It is a beautiful example of how compassion can travel from our local community to families across the globe.

— Heather Kohberger
Publisher, Stroll Edinburgh

Visit Jambosdonates.org to learn more about how to donate pajamas, support financially, attend events, or volunteer your time.