Campaign organiser David Kemeys, from the Middlemore Foundation, told her many children had never received anything new.
"I find it so hard to believe that this is the first time the kids have had something of their own. It really does break your heart.
"It brought tears to my eyes. Just the surprise on their faces and the questions of, 'Can I keep them?' and wanting to put them on straight away."
The 43-year-old was happy to support the foundation, especially as it helped kids where she grew up.
"I'm from Manurewa, I grew up there and my Mum still lives there so I've got a close association with the community. You want to help out any way you can."
She urged others to dig deep for Jammies in June, which is in its third year.
"It has just grown and grown from humble beginnings. I think it's because it's such a simple thing that any family can get behind. You can just go down to Farmers or wherever and buy a pair of PJs.
"You really feel like you've made a difference. It's wonderful to see there's such generosity."
A two-day street appeal began yesterday, including at malls in Albany, Pakuranga, West City and St Luke's, at Broadway in Newmarket and Britomart in the central city.
Meanwhile, Mellons Bay School is leading the charge after collecting 68 pairs of pyjamas. Year one and two pupils took part in the Jammies in June breakfast as part of the school's Education Outside the Classroom programme.
Principal Judy Brown said parents donated cash and Kmart gave the school a discount deal.
"Our programme is about giving the children some independence, and showing them they can do things.
"And they certainly showed us they can achieve things."
