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Drive Resources

How to Host a Drive

You can host a drive for two to four weeks in your community. Email us at ma-community@cradlestocrayons.org to let us know about your drive.

  • Spread the Word: Share the details of your drive on social media, in a newsletter, and/or in a personal email to friends and family.
  • Begin Your Collection: Keep your community motivated with regular updates and encouragement.
  • Drop Off Your Donations: You can drop off your donations at our Giving Factory warehouse or at a drop-off location near you.
  • Celebrate and Appreciate: Don’t forget to thank your donors and share the impact of your drive with your community!

Resources & FAQ’s

What are your most needed items?
Our most needed items change by season. You can find a current list here. Consistent needs at Cradles include boys and girls clothing (youth sizes 0-7/8) and new hygiene items for infants and children (shampoo, soap, baby lotion, brushes/combs). 
How do I get a tax receipt?
You can now find our tax receipts on our website: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston/take-action/donate-goods/tax-receipt/

Or if you prefer to print a copy at home: https://cradlestocrayons.app.box.com/donation-receipt

Fill out and keep a copy for your tax purposes.

Where do I bring my donations?

We have multiple drop-off locations throughout the Commonwealth including our Giving Factory, located at 281 Newtonville Avenue in Newton. Find your nearest drop-off location here. Take a look at the Items We Accept before donating!

Why can't you take my nursery furniture, large toy, etc..?

We accept donations of a wide range however, in the interest of the health and safety of the families we serve, and in consideration of the limited space they may have access to, we cannot accept large furniture or toy donations.

How do I set up a donation drive? How long should I collect for?

To set up a donation drive, place an inquiry with Cradles to Crayons and a staff member will follow up with you. Check out the Host a Drive Roadmap and our Donation Guidelines before you begin collecting. In general, we recommend collecting for between two and four weeks.

How much product do I need for xx volunteers to be busy for xx hours?
To keep 10 volunteers busy for 1 hours, your community will need to collect at least 50, 13-gallon (the size of a kitchen trash bag) bags of product. We suggest starting your collection 4 to 6 weeks before your sorting event to ensure there is enough product to keep your volunteers engaged throughout your event.
What happens to the donations you can't distribute?
Items that we cannot distribute are redistributed to various local partners to help serve their needs. The Salvation Army, Aids Action Committee, Mission Main, More Than Words, and Furnishing Hope are among some of our recycle partners.
Who are the children you serve and what communities do they live in?

We are dedicated to serving children ages zero to twelve living in Massachusetts and families who meet income eligibility requirements. By taking this approach, we ensure that your donations go directly to the local children who need them the most. To view a comprehensive list of our partnerships by geographical location, click here.