Volunteer Resources

You should wear something comfortable, that you don’t mind getting dirty and close-toed shoes. You will be working in a warehouse that is not climate controlled, so please keep the weather in mind and dress accordingly.

We accept all kinds of new and like-new children’s items. To learn more about the specific items we accept and our most needed items, please visit our Items We Accept page.

For capacity reasons and logistical reasons, it is important that you bring the exact amount of volunteers that you originally planned. If you think your number may be different leading up to your shift, please contact the volunteer coordinator you’ve been communicating with as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.

It’s important for insurance and logistical purposes for us to have volunteer’s information prior to them arriving at The Giving Factory. We do not share any of our volunteer’s information with outside organizations. It is for internal use only.

Yes. Our Brighton location is accessible from several bus routes and some trains. Find your directions here.

September through May

Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

*some Sunday and Tuesday evening shifts

June through August

Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

*some Saturday shifts

For specific weekend and evening shift dates, please contact volunteerboston@cradlestocrayons.org.

Yes, we have coat racks in our lobby you where you can hang your jacket. We also have a lockable bin inside that a staff member will point out during your orientation. We will lock the bin up during the shift and unlock it at wrap up.

If you’d like a leadership role and to help out regularly in the warehouse, you should consider applying to our Champion Program. Please contact volunteerboston@cradlestocrayons.org for more information.

We allow children as young as five 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.

Yes. Our ratios are as follows:

• 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.

Our capacity allows for a maximum of 25 students per shift, accompanied by the appropriate amount of adults per our ratios.

We allow adult groups as large as 50 to come volunteer for a regular shift. For larger group inquiries, please contact volunteerboston@cradlestocrayons.org directly.

You can join our Family Leadership Circle, your child can apply to be in our Teen Leadership Corps or you can volunteer as a family.

Yes.

The shift will start promptly at the time you were scheduled. If you’re running late, please find your name tag on the purple table in the lobby and come on in to the warehouse. Go through the doors, take your first left and head all the way down to the purple bleachers, If everyone is already working in stations, anybody in a Cradles to Crayons purple shirt can help you find your station.

In order for our staff to plan our volunteer shifts appropriately, you are required to register with our volunteer coordinators in advance. Click here to fill out an inquiry form.