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Cradles to Crayons Launches Annual Gear Up for Winter Initiative Across the Commonwealth

November 10, 2020, BOSTON, MA—Cradles to Crayons® is preparing for dropping temperatures and the New England winter that is fast approaching with their annual Gear Up for Winter initiative. Through this initiative, the organization will provide over 63,000 local children in need with the necessary clothing to stay safe and healthy this winter season. In the current COVID-19 environment, with a growing number of families struggling to provide basic necessities for their children, Cradles to Crayons finds this initiative’s impact to be more critical than ever.

Massachusetts families already facing the challenges of living in low-income situations are now feeling added pressures, and many find themselves forced into a position of choosing between essentials for their children, and household expenses such as groceries, rent, and heat; purchasing winter-appropriate outerwear and clothing may not be feasible. According to CNBC, four in 10 children in the U.S. living in households that rent are now either behind on rent and/or do not have enough to eat. Meanwhile, typical community resources, including schools and youth programs, continue to close or reduce access, making warmth at home even more vital.

Cradles to Crayons is stepping up to assist local families by providing new and like-new winter coats, hats, gloves, shoes, and warm clothing in preparation for the coming months. The organization’s individually tailored “Winter Outfit Packs” equip children with outerwear and a week’s worth of clothing so that they can remain safe and healthy.

“As we all continue to do our best in handling these unprecedented times, our organization aims to remain one step ahead in order to best serve the children and their parents who need us,” said Aubrey Conquergood, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Boston. “We want to prepare kids for winter before it becomes an emergency. An overwhelming number of families in Massachusetts have experienced job loss since the pandemic began, making it nearly impossible for those living in low-income situations to keep up with the everyday expenses of their family, including seasonally appropriate clothing. Without appropriate protection this winter, snow and freezing temperatures put kids at an increased risk for illness and injury. Donations of coats and winter clothing from the community will help us assist thousands of children.”

The organization will also host its annual fundraising Un-Gala event as part of this winter initiative, this year going by the name Un-Gala @ Home, as they take the necessary steps to provide an engaging virtual event. People looking to learn more about Un-Gala @ Home, or how to provide Cradles to Crayons with needed items this winter, can visit cradlestocrayons.org/boston.

About Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons launched in Boston in 2002 and currently 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. Cradles to Crayons collects new and high-quality used children’s goods and engages thousands of youth and adults in volunteer activities each year on behalf of local children in need. For more information, visit www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston.

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