Volunteer Resources
What exactly will I be doing when I volunteer in the Giving Factory?
What should I wear?
What type of donations do you accept?
Is it okay if I bring a different number of volunteers than I originally planned?
Why does my group need to pre-register?
Is The Giving Factory accessible via public transit?
Yes. Our Newton location is a short walk from various MBTA bus routes, as well as the Newtonville stop on the commuter rail. Find your directions here.
When do you offer volunteer shifts?
Volunteer shifts are available Monday-Friday, and every other Saturday. Please see below for specific shift times:
Monday-Thursday, and every other Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For specific weekend shift dates, please contact volunteerboston@cradlestocrayons.org.
Friday
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Is there somewhere to store my belongings during the shift?
I want to volunteer regularly. How do I do that?
What is the minimum age requirement?
Currently, we ask that all volunteers be at least 10 years old to volunteer with us. Any child under the age of 18 needs an adult present with them for the entire shift when they come to volunteer with us.
Are there specific adult-to-child ratios?
- 1 adult per 3 elementary school students (Kindergarten through 5th Grade)
- 1 adult per 5 middle school students (6th Grade through 8th Grade)
- 1 adult per 8 high school students (9th Grade through 12th Grade)
*An 18-year-old high school student cannot be counted as a chaperon.
What is the maximum amount of students that can attend a shift?
What is the maximum amount of adults that can attend a shift?
My family would like to get more deeply involved. What can we do to help?
Is your warehouse wheelchair accessible?
I'm running late for my shift, what should I do?
The shift will start promptly at the time you were scheduled. If you’re running late, please find your name tag on the table in the lobby and come on in to the warehouse. Go through the doors, and head to the purple bleachers. If everyone is already working in stations, anybody in a Cradles to Crayons shirt can help you find your station.