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Volunteer In The Giving Factory

Thanks for your interest in volunteering at The Giving Factory!

When you volunteer with Cradles to Crayons, you join a force for good—thousands of people—who are working to end Clothing Insecurity for children right here in our local neighborhoods and beyond! Thank you for giving your time to provide the critically needed clothing and essentials kids deserve every step of their childhood. Thank you for giving a voice putting kids needs first.

We are excited to share that we have launched a robust new self-service Volunteer Management Portal where you’ll be able to log in and register and update your own volunteer visits!

What to Expect

A volunteer shift at Cradles to Crayons connects you to new and gently used donations—beautiful and loved clothing from the community—that you, your family, or your company, will quality check, sort, package, and prepare to go to kids in our communities through our incredible network of Service Partners. The Giving Factory activities are broken up into specific stations, each one part of the larger “Quality = Dignity” journey that transforms donations into curated orders for specific children. Throughout your shift you will be led by a Volunteer Leader who will provide instructions and be present with you during the entire shift to answer questions and provide any assistance you may need.

Scheduling and Preparing for Your Visit

Once you have reviewed the information you need on this page, you can access the volunteer portal: 

    • Cradles to Crayons welcomes all volunteers ages 5 and older! Children between the ages of 5 and 18 require an adult present with them for the entire shift. 
    • Volunteer shifts are available Wednesday through Saturday. Please see below for specific shift times:
           

       

      Wednesday & Thursday
      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
      1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
      Friday
      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
       
      Saturday
      10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
      1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • Pre-register in advance: It is crucial that all volunteers pre-register before coming to The Giving Factory—this is how we communicate essential information and reminders prior to your visit. Only pre-registered volunteers will be allowed inside The Giving Factory. 
    • Arrive for check in 15 minutes prior to your shift time.  
    • If you are experiencing any COVID or flu-like symptoms, please follow the recommended CDC guidelines. If you are unwell or have tested positive for COVID, please stay home and we can work to reschedule your visit. 
    • We encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle to stay hydrated! We have water filling stations in our Giving Factory for volunteers. However, we do not provide water bottles.

For more detailed information the volunteer experience and about Cradles to Crayonsplease see our Volunteer FAQs which are also found within the Volunteer Portal.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Cradles to Crayons is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and we welcome many diverse individuals as volunteers.   

    • Building Accessibility: The Giving Factory floor is a single story, with no steps.  There are accessible parking spots in our parking area, and either a wheelchair accessible ramp or accessibility leading up to our main entrance.  We have restroom availability that is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant.
    • Restrooms: We welcome volunteers of all genders, identities, and expressions. Men’s, women’s, and gender-neutral restrooms are available for volunteers.
    • Lactation Room: We can provide a private Lactation Room. If you need access to this room, please share that in the accommodations section of the form or tell us when you arrive for your shift.
    • Volunteer Activity: Some volunteer activities require standing. Other activities are performed sitting. Volunteers who require the seated option may share that requirement in the accommodations section of the form, and we will follow through with you via email.
    • Masks: Volunteers are not required to wear masks.

If you have any additional needs, please share that in the individual registration section of the Portal.

Bring clothing to donate!

We love when our volunteer groups bring donations to help support our mission! We ask each person to bring at least one children’s item—but there is no minimum requirement. Consider hosting a collection and get your family, friends, or company to help build a bigger pile of clothing and essentials to donate when you visit! View our current donation guidelines and most needed items and tips for hosting a successful drive!   

Our volunteers—adults and children, corporate and community groups—are the engine that powers Cradles to Crayons’ mission. Thank you for choosing to volunteer with us. We cannot wait to host you at The Giving Factory!

 

Most Needed Items

As a way to further engage your children in the volunteer experience, please bring at least one new or like-new children’s item to your shift. We encourage you to check our current “most needed items” list if you would like to help fill a gap in our inventory.

Learn More

Family Leadership Circle

We invite you to become part of a group of supporters who play a special role in sustaining Cradles to Crayons’ mission through annual support.
 
 

Create an account and register for your shift:

Please read the volunteer visit information on this page before proceeding.

Regardless of whether you are coming as an individual, family, for corporate or community group, you will begin your registration through the Volunteer Portal.

If you are setting up your account for the first time, click ‘Sign Up’.