Thanks for your interest in volunteering at Backpack-A-Thon^®!

Cradles to Crayons knows that providing kids with essentials they need for learning is critical to helping them keep up and stay engaged. But for many families in our community, school essentials are both inaccessible and unaffordable. In 2026, we will provide 70,000 students across MA, southern NH, and RI with brand-new learning supplies before the school year begins.

In support of our Ready for Learning initiative, Cradles to Crayons hosts our signature Backpack-A-Thon event, bringing together hundreds of corporate volunteers to pack up brand-new school supplies into backpacks, and make a significant impact for kids in our community in just a few short hours.

Event Details

Thursday, July 30, 2026
10:00am–12:30pm
Doors open at 9:30am
Agganis Arena at Boston University: 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

Water and snacks will be available for volunteers throughout the event.
Media will be present at this event.

Register here!

Registration is open to confirmed supporters of Ready for Learning. Find your company in the drop-down list below. Please note that the deadline to register is Thursday, July 23.

Travel
We encourage using public transportation or carpooling. Agganis Arena is located at 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, just a block away from the Amory St. and Babcock St. Stop on the “B” train of the Green Line, and is also accessible via the Buick Street, or Pleasant Street stop on the route 57 bus.

Parking
Parking for a fee will be available in the Agganis Arena parking garage on a first-come, first-served basis. The garage entrance is accessible via Buick Street and Harry Agganis Way. There is an additional garage and on-street parking in the area as well.

Other important information
– To provide a safe environment for the public, Agganis Arena will not allow any bag that exceeds 12” x 12” x 6” into the facility.
– Please wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing. Company t-shirts are welcome and encouraged! Agganis Arena is air-conditioned.