Whether you’ve volunteered, donated, or partnered with us, we are deeply grateful. Your support fuels our work to address Clothing Insecurity among children and families. Without you, none of it would be possible. So let me first say, THANK YOU!
Human Stories Behind the Numbers
Each year, we distribute 1 million packages of clothing and essentials to children through our 350 Service Partner organizations. While the numbers demonstrate the scale, the real story lies in the lives we touch. Every item given is more than just clothing; it’s a source of confidence, resilience, and hope.
One Service Partner shared: “Mia immediately hugged a soft sweater to her chest and beamed with excitement. […] Something as simple as a well-fitting outfit helped restore a sense of normalcy and dignity for both her and her mother during an incredibly difficult time.”
Recently, I shared a story in TEACH that highlights how providing clothing supports children in building their confidence and engaging their strengths. When we supply kids with new clothes and essentials, we’re helping kids feel valued and empowered —foundations for their long-term success.
The Power of Partnership
Our partner organizations serve racially and linguistically diverse communities—tight-knit and caring—going above and beyond for their children despite challenges like limited resources. 82% of families we serve earn under $30,000 annually and more than half earn less than $10,000. Additionally, most children receive supplies from Cradles to Crayons® (C2C®) multiple times a year, providing ongoing support that helps families meet their needs with dignity.
We recently surveyed our Service Partners. 99% agree or strongly agree that C2C helps them fulfill their mission and programming, and 87% say they cannot find these items for free elsewhere.
One social worker shared: “We’re trying to support [families] by reducing the amount of stress and barriers, so they can devote that time and energy to bettering their situation. Every tube of toothpaste [from C2C] is $5 they can use for other needs.”
Without C2C, many organizations spend more, reducing their capacity to serve more families, or the need goes unmet. We are focused on being a reliable and constant source of support for community partners and families at a time where the need is only increasing.
National Diaper Need Awareness Week
Last week we joined our partners across the country to raise awareness around diaper need—a critical issue affecting 1 in 2 families. This means not having enough diapers to keep a baby clean, dry, and healthy. It leaves babies vulnerable to health risks—rashes, infections, and other preventable conditions—and forces parents into difficult choices, such as skipping meals or missing work. Through partnerships with the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) and First Quality®, makers of Cuties® baby diapers, Cradles to Crayons has grown our annual diaper distributions to more than 9.3 millions diapers distributed across Chicagoland, Greater Boston, and Greater Philadelphia.
Join Us in Supporting Our Communities
As we reflect on the stories that remind us why our work matters, we invite you to continue your support and spread the word to others. Whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, your involvement creates ripples of hope and resilience in the lives of children and families.
Thank you for building hope alongside us.
Christine Morin
CEO
Cradles to Crayons
Michael Smith, Executive Director of C2C Philadelphia; Rep Morgan Cephas; Christine Morin, C2C CEO; Senator Vincent Hughes; Rep Gina H. Curry at a diaper distribution event.
Donna Zanelli of Southbridge Public Schools; Andrea Lauria and Fast Freddy of Mix 104.1; Christine Morin; Gregg Daniels of Mix 104.1.
