In many ways, five-year-old Sophia Vann is a typical child. The Summerville resident enjoys painting and ballet and she changes her mind weekly as to what she wants to be when she grows up. This week it’s a doctor.
In other ways, however, Sophia is unlike her peers. A pre-kindergarten student at Newington Elementary School, Sophia’s favorite musician is Beethoven, she often spends time at a shelter playing with children who are victims of domestic violence and she recently founded a charity.
When Sophia learned last year that not all people receive presents during the holiday season, she asked her mother, Saritta Vann, if they could give presents to residents at a local nursing home.
“She wanted to give them toys, but I told her that unlike children, they don’t play with toys,” Saritta said. “She then said if we can’t give them toys, we should give them something fun like pajamas.”
Since the holidays were already in full swing at the time of Sophia’s suggestion, “The PJ Project” wasn’t launched until this year. Sophia, president of The PJ Project, is seeking to collect new and used pairs of pajamas, which she and her mother will give to local charities that will in turn distribute them to the children and adults they serve. Although the project is in its infancy – 10 pairs of pajamas had been donated as of Tuesday – Sophia couldn’t be more excited.
“It makes me feel good because I like giving stuff to people,” Sophia said. “Actually, I love giving stuff to people.”
Saritta says there could not be a more fitting item than pajamas for her daughter to want to donate to those in need this holiday season.
“She would live in pajamas if she could,” Saritta said. “She would wear them all day, every day.”
Although only five, Sophia is wise beyond her years, in part because of her six-year-old brother who has autism, Saritta says.
“She’s always been very grown up in the way she sees things and I think that’s because of what she’s been exposed to,” said Saritta, who often takes her daughter with her when she volunteers at shelters. “She has such a compassionate spirit.”
Sophia says she’s seeking to make the world a cozy place and doesn’t believe her age should be a hindrance.
“I think helping other people is an important thing to do,” Sophia said. “I like giving pajamas to people because they make them feel warm.”
For more information, e-mail Saritta Vann at vannsaritta@yahoo.com. Pajamas will be accepted until Christmas Day.

To contribute to “The PJ Project,” bring pajamas to any of the following drop-off points:

Newington Elementary School – 10 King Charles Circle, Summerville.
Rainbows & Memories - 1305 Boone Hill Road, Summerville.
First Assembly of God, 2957 Savannah Hwy., Charleston.
Family Resource Center for Disabilities & Special Needs –1575 Savannah Hwy, Charleston.
Family Connection of South Carolina – 4 Carriage Lane #406B, Charleston.

Contact Michael Tannebaum at 873-9424 ext. 215 or mtannebaum@journalscene.com