Update on COVID-19: We are collecting donations at 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.
Read our new COVID-19 donation guidelines and other precautionary measures we have implemented here.
Find A Drop Off
You can help us get everyday essentials into the hands of children facing clothing insecurity. 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.
Emergency Essentials Fund
Our community partners are turning to Cradles to Crayons with urgent needs for new diapers, school and art supplies, hygiene items, and other essentials.
In response to COVID-19, we established the Emergency Essentials Fund to provide these items to the children who need them to survive this crisis—while also knowing that vulnerable families are going to need our services more than ever in the coming months.
The Emergency Essentials Fund allows us to leverage our logistics expertise and bulk purchasing power and serve thousands of families in need. Please make a gift today to help us ensure that the children we serve are safe and healthy.
Support Gear Up for Winter®
Chicago winters are unpredictable. Without access to appropriate warm winter essentials, harsh weather, snow, and below-freezing temperatures make vulnerable children likely to get sick, miss school, or unable to safely play outside.
Since April 2020, Cradles to Crayons has been able to serve 120,000 Chicagoland children with emergency essentials like diapers and hygiene items, critical learning supplies, and appropriate clothes that fit.
Our Gear Up for Winter initiative will provide at least 37,000 kids with essentials like coats, boots, clothing, hats, and gloves to keep kids safe and warm through our Gear Up for Winter Collection Drive, Un-Gala @ Home fundraising event, and the support of our volunteers.
Take Action
Volunteer
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.
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.
Fund the Cause
Children in poverty are right around the corner. Help them however you can.
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.
Media Kit
We empower media outlets to help tell the story of our work through the Cradles to Crayons lens and voice. Click the link below for more information.