June 14, 2024, BOSTON, MA–Cradles to Crayons® Massachusetts announced today that they are one of 72 organizations that received a donation from Rob Hale and his wife, Karen, as part of a $26.2 million giving effort tied to the Boston Marathon. Hale, co-founder and President of Granite Telecommunications LLC, ran the marathon for the first time on April 15 of this year.
“Boston is built on strength, pride, and a commitment of service to others. What better way to celebrate that Boston Strong spirit than with gifts targeted to impact those most in need of support,” said Connie Olson, Cradles to Crayons Interim Executive Director and VP of Operations. “Cradles to Crayons is committed to providing children in need with the clothing they need to thrive, free of charge,” she added. “This generous $75,000 gift from the Hale family will help ensure we continue to meet the growing need among Massachusetts children living in homeless and low-income situations.”
The donation will support Cradles to Crayons in providing new and high-quality used clothing, shoes, coats, and more, to local children facing Clothing Insecurity.
“Recognizing the immense impact the fabled Marathon has had on our proud city, we are humbled to be able to make these gifts to wonderful organizations throughout our region that support our community,’’ said Hale in an email letter to local charities sent moments after he crossed the finish line at Copley Square. “Please take and use this gift to further your vital mission. Together we make Boston Strong.”
About Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons® (C2C®) believes that all children deserve the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. Founded in 2002, Cradles to Crayons provides children living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play—for free. Cradles to Crayons collects and distributes new and high-quality used children’s goods by engaging and connecting communities. C2C sets a gold standard of individual, family, and corporate volunteer engagement, and through its “Giving Factories®” provides unique, hands-on opportunities to directly help local families. Headquartered in Boston, MA, C2C opened in Philadelphia in 2007, Chicago in 2016, and New York City via an innovative online platform, Giving Factory Direct (GFD), in 2021. For more information, please visit www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston.
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