On Thursday, October 17th, The Lexington Minuteman featured a story about one of our young volunteers, Chloe Funk. Below is the full text of the article:
When asked to list a few of her hobbies, Chloe Funk, can reel off a wide array of interests – reading, karate, guitar, and sketching. But everyone at Cradles to Crayons (C2C), knows there’s one she forgot to mention – volunteering.
At eight years old, Chloe has already discovered a passion for giving back.
Luckily for Brighton-based nonprofit, Cradles to Crayons, giving back regularly is a priority for the Funk family. Chloe’s mom, Lauren, tells us, “As a parent, when I can provide concrete experiences for my kids, the needs and underlying issues become more ‘real’ to them and we’re able to start an important dialogue. Taking time to have my kids reflect and empathize makes them more committed to helping others.”
Cradles to Crayons provides local children living in homeless or low-income situations with essential items they need to thrive – at school, at home and at play. Another important piece of their mission is to provide a tangible and easy avenue for families to give back.
The scale of the C2C warehouse and rows of shelves, some full of donation, others empty, is an eye-opening experience for many first time visitors. For Chloe, it illustrated the overwhelming need other children had for essential items. The experience left her “worried about the kids C2C helps and with questions about what their lives are like.”
Chloe’s story is an important one. Like many kids her age, she cares about her community and wants to be a part of addressing some of our bigger social issues. She does just that by finding creative ways to incorporate service in her everyday life. Whether she is volunteering at the C2C warehouse, donating items she’s outgrown, or getting her younger brother excited about sharing in the experience, Chloe is proof that one kid can make a difference.
In January, Chloe was a C2C Birthday Star, which she explains, meant “I had a party with my friends, but instead of getting presents, I asked for donations to C2C like clothes and books. It was awesome.” There was still a cake, friends, and all of the usual birthday celebrations, but the choice to forgo 15 new presents was an easy one for Chloe, “I already have all the things I need, but they don’t. Sharing my birthday made me feel great!”
Everyone at C2C is inspired on a daily basis by the kids who make their work possible. Without help from kids like Chloe, who generously donate their time, goods, and positive thinking, they wouldn’t be able to serve thousands of kids without access to essential items this winter – like a warm coat, pair of pants, or boots that fit properly.
C2C (and Chloe!) invite you to learn more about ways to engage your family this fall through the LexFun! Community Drive. Starting October 7th, drop off donations inside of the C2C storage unit located in the parking lot of St. Brigid’s Parish. On Saturday, November 2nd from 9am – 12pm, families are invited to join together at St. Brigid’s to sort through the donations collected as a community.