Lace Elementary Supports Troops with PJs for Patriots

An avid supporter of the U.S. Armed forces, teacher Bonnie Bucholz has started PJs for Patriots at  to serve an often-overlooked need of soldiers serving overseas. 

The idea came from the parents of two Lace students. Major Marc Provenzano, father of students Luca and Vinny,  after serving as commander of the 909th Forward Surgical Team (FST) in Afghanistan. His wife, Dena, developed the program and brought the plan to Bucholz.

Bucholz explained that when soldiers are wounded in combat, they are immediately taken to FST to receive care. The surgical team cuts off their clothes to treat the soldiers' wounds as quickly as possible. But the clothes are often damaged beyond repair. The goal of PJs for Patriots is to provide items such as pajamas, t-shirts and toiletries to these wounded soldiers.

“We're asking for new [items], and we're hoping the kids ... who come from all demographics ... do what they can,” Bucholz said.

Provenzano is no stranger to the students at Lace, who had with him while he was overseas. The school recently for him when he returned from his second tour in Afghanistan. Kids made posters, and the fire department joined in the celebration as well.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars contributed $300 toward shipping costs to the PJs for Patriots cause. Bucholz has contacted local businesses in hopes of receiving more donations. One woman even knitted 20 hats for the troops.

The event began on Feb. 14, Valentine's Day, to go along with its theme of giving from the heart. The last day to donate, Feb. 25, will be celebrated at Lace as PJ Day. Students are welcome to wear their pajamas to school as a thank you for their help.

If you would like to help the troops, please contact the school at (630) 968-2589, or visit www.SupportOurToops.org.