As we step into 2026, I want to start by saying thank you. Your support of Cradles to Crayons® is making a profound difference in the lives of children across our communities.
I’m writing today to share what we’re seeing, the impact we’re making together, and how you can help us meet this moment.
What Does Clothing Insecurity Look Like
It sounds trivial—a week’s worth of clothes, a winter coat. But clothing insecurity isn’t about fashion. It’s about whether kids can access education, make friends, and believe in themselves.
I recently heard from a mother who shared that she made the difficult decision to keep her child home from school rather than send her in the few worn-out outfits they had. Her child endured constant teasing from peers. When a package from Cradles to Crayons arrived—’like new’ clothes that fit—everything changed. Her child’s face lit up. She was proud to go to school.
Stepping Up to Meet a Growing Need
One of the big questions we’re hearing is: What is your biggest challenge right now? The simple answer—the need is growing faster than we can respond. Our winter orders are already spiking to two- and three-times what we see in a typical year.
As families face rising prices and shrinking safety nets, they’re being forced into impossible choices: Do I feed my child or dress them for school?
Every bag of clothing you donate, every shift in our Giving Factory, every dollar you contribute is helping us step up to meet this moment.
Watch this quick NBC feature to see the joy on kids’ faces as they receive winter coats, and hear from parents and partners about what this support means to families.
New Research Validates Our Approach
Results from a Diaper Distribution Research Pilot we participated in showed that families who received consistent support saw dramatic improvements over 18 months:
- Employment rates increased 29%
- Financial stability improved 14%
- Income volatility decreased 30%
When we remove barriers to basic needs—whether diapers for infants or winter coats for school-age children—we create space for families to stabilize and move forward.
As we move into 2026, the need is clear—and so is the path forward. With your continued partnership, we can ensure that no child has to miss school or go without because of something as fundamental as clothing.
There are three powerful ways to help right now: donate clothing, volunteer in our Giving Factory, or contribute financially to meet this unprecedented demand.
Thank you for standing with us and ensuring that every child has what they need to thrive.
With gratitude,
Christine Morin
CEO
Cradles to Crayons CEO
