Please take donations to select drop-off locations! Due to the constraints of our units, please donate items using bags that have been securely tied shut or in small boxes that have been taped closed. Please do not leave donations outside of the unit.

1 in 2 children in Chicago is at risk of experiencing clothing insecurity.

Let’s help them.

At Cradles to Crayons, our entire organization is driven by a focused and all-important goal: to make life better for children in need. To make this happen, it takes a wide variety of individuals and groups to come together to make a difference in their local communities.

Ways to Give

Find A Drop Off

You can help us get everyday essentials into the hands of children facing clothing insecurity. Shop our Amazon Wish List and learn more about how you can help provide our most-needed items.

Please check out our Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Highlights Report, to see what strides we made last year thanks to your continued support.

Become a Child Champion through our monthly giving program! Your contribution will fuel the heart of our organization and help launch a child to their full potential.

Become a Child Champion Today

Join Us for Un-Gala

We are hosting two opportunities to celebrate keeping children safe and warm this holiday season!

Join us for our Gear Up for Winter 6th Annual Un-Gala on Saturday, November 13 in-person at The Giving Factory for a morning or afternoon shift, or on Sunday, December 5 at home for the online program.

Un-Gala

Gear Up for Winter Collection Drive & Volunteer Week

Without basics like boots and a warm winter coat that fits, kids can’t safely go outside to play. They don’t feel valued.

Join us from Monday, October 25 – Saturday, October 30, and donate your children’s gently-used winter clothing items or volunteer your time during our Gear Up for Winter Collection Drive & Volunteer Week. Together we can make sure 54,000 Chicagoland kids have the warm, winter essentials they need to thrive.

Learn More

Take Action

We work with over 7,000 families, individuals, community groups and companies to serve over 30,000 children every year in Chicago. Your time is vital to getting children the everyday essentials they need.

Make a Difference

Our Stories

On a human level, what we do is bring a little sunshine into the life of a family or child in need. Learn firsthand about the difference we make on a day-to-day basis. From our service partners and volunteers and from the families themselves.

The Difference We're Making

Service Partners

Our whole focus is to make our collaborative process as easy and streamlined as possible. This helps us to empower the children you serve at home, at school and at play by providing the everyday essentials that match their individual needs.

Learn More