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The nonprofit celebrates the significant milestone this month

(Boston, MA- October 13, 2016)– Cradles to Crayons®, a nonprofit organization that equips children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school, and at play, is proud to announce that it has served one million children since its inception. Created in Boston in 2002, Cradles to Crayons also has locations in Philadelphia and Chicago, which have contributed to the organization’s impressive milestone.

To recognize this momentous occasion, Cradles to Crayons will host its One Million Children Served Community Appreciation Event on October 13th. The reception and recognition program will acknowledge the incredible milestone and the many dedicated individuals, families, companies and partner organizations who made it possible.

In conjunction with the event, Cradles to Crayons will launch its #OneMillionChildren Served awareness campaign in Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago. The social media campaign aims to raise awareness of the urgent need for everyday essentials by children living in poverty and to drive support for another million children who need assistance. According to Anne E Casey Foundation Kids Count, there are 31.4 million children in the U.S. living in low-income situations.

“We are thrilled to reach this milestone, but we couldn’t have done it without the village of volunteers, donors and partners that has supported us over the years,” said Lynn Margherio, Founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. “Together we have made a real impact on the lives of one million children in need across three major U.S. cities. It is a proud moment for all of us. Reaching this incredible milestone serves as a powerful motivator to continue to pursue our vision: a day when all children across the country will have the basic essentials they need to thrive.”

“Cradles to Crayons has for years helped low-income families make ends meet with its generous mission to provide children with basic needs including clothing, school supplies and toiletries,” said Marylou Sudders, Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. “These small items – a toothbrush, a book, shoes – make a big difference in the daily lives of kids who deserve a chance to succeed.”

For 14 years in Boston, nine in Philadelphia and now in Chicago, Cradles to Crayons has been providing children and families in need with clothing, books, school supplies, and toys to help children feel safe, valued and ready to learn. Over 300,000 volunteers and several hundred service partners have committed to the organization over the years and have assisted in delivering the essentials children need to succeed at home and in the classroom. Under the leadership of CEO and Founder, Lynn Margherio, Cradles to Crayons plans to extend its reach and influence with the development of two new locations in the United States within the next few years.

About Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons launched in 2002 and has operations in Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The nonprofit provides children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need. Cradles to Crayons mobilizes communities of plenty on behalf of communities of need, recycling and reusing high-quality children’s goods and engaging thousands of youth and adults in tangible service activities each year that benefit local children.