With all of us being in the thick of the holidays, there are a few things that folks should be doing during this time of year. Yes, there’s the obvious purchasing of gifts for friends, family and loved ones and spending time with them. Along with this, people should be buying those gifts from local businesses and showing support to those in need one way or another. At Escada Restaurant & Bar on 39 Putnam Pike in Johnston, there’s going to be a stellar opportunity to do both of these things on December 5. From 5-8pm, the establishment is going to be putting on an event with a variety of vendors from around the area while encouraging whoever attends to bring a set of children’s pajamas so they can donate them to kids who are in foster care.

There’s also going to be a free raffle for anyone who shows up, including those who bring a new pair of pj’s. The idea for this event initially started as a fun idea and it eventually became something more with awareness to an important issue being put at the forefront.

“We started this event in the past just for fun while kicking off the holiday shopping season but mostly because we wanted to collaborate with some of our clientele that we knew had something great to offer,” says Escada co-owner Aimee Zwolinski. “Each vendor showcases their merchandise and has items available for purchase. Admission is free and we also give a raffle ticket to each person in attendance with the raffle including one item from each vendor's table. Then at the end of the event, we pull the names of the winners! We had utilized this event in the past to help the organization Bags for Hope, which sells Christmas ornaments that include a child’s name and age who is living in foster care on the back of the ornament.”

“When the ornament is purchased, a personalized bag is provided for that child, which we knew was important since these children are often moved abruptly with minimal belongings often packed in a trash bag,” she adds. “This was a rewarding fundraiser that we’ve enjoyed for years, however this year we have decided to do a pajama drive instead. Pajamas are needed for children in foster care with sizes ranging from infant to teen and anyone who donates new, unused pj’s the day of our event will receive an additional ticket for the raffle. Our full dinner menu will be available for purchase as well as festive beverages. However, seating may be limited at times throughout the evening.”

When it comes to who exactly will be setting up shop, Fruit Hill Apiary is ideal for any honey lover with local honey and honey-made products being made available. There’s going to be Nicholas Ryan with his unique visual art and paintings, Erin Smith with handmade crafts & home decor, Nicole Romano with exquisite fashion jewelry, Anthony Dipippo with candles, assorted lotions, hand sanitizer and body wash and Michele Cereta with her personalized birdhouses. Lauren Hopkins will be there with her business Sew Happy and goods such as wallets, handbags and wall hangings. Rounding out the lineup is going to be Gypsy Velvet Underground with magical and spiritual household items & gifts and custom-made shirts, jackets and vests courtesy of the Giraffe & Cow Studio. If any of these vendors peak your interest, then you should make stopping by Escada part of your early Tuesday evening.

For more information on Bags For Hope, log onto their website at bagsofhopene.org. To keep tabs on what Escada has going on in the future, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/EscadaRestaurantBar. In the meantime, make sure to head on over to this really cool event they have happening on December 5.