Our Stories

The Children We Serve

On a human level, what we do is bring some comfort and sunshine into the life of a child in need. Learn firsthand about the difference we make on a day-to-day basis from our Service Partners, volunteers, and from the families.

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Our Testimonials

Service Partner Stories

I do genuinely feel that the Cradles to Crayons has been a great service, not only for the purpose of clothing our kids, but also for strengthening our relationships with families. It provides another way of communicating through words and behaviors that we care about their kids and their family and are genuinely trying to help access resources to support them. It also empowered some students to advocate for their needs once they realized that a service like this existed. Some of my referrals were not originally from the parents; they were from the students explaining that they would benefit from resources like yours and helping me connect with their families. Thank you for all that you do!

City Connects Coordinator

Boston Public Schools

We returned to a school to pick up the extra KidPacks when a teacher saw us going through them and came over to ask if we had any extras for a boy in her class. He had been wearing a weathered women’s coat and was in great need of clothing. He came over and was able to pick out a KidPack and one of the remaining coats we had from Cradles to Crayons. When he sat back down with his class he had the widest smile on his face. He put on his coat, hat and gloves and could not stop smiling. Afterwards, the teacher told us that he is embarrassed in class with the clothes he wears and often puts his coat in his backpack so no one sees it. Now he wears his new coat with total pride!

Social Worker

Boston Public Schools

Our partnership with Cradles to Crayons has ensured that all our students have the appropriate clothes they need to play outside all year long. Our students arrive at school warm and ready to learn, and ready for recess. Recess is an essential part of the school day where students benefit from fresh air, free play and time to build their social and emotional skills.  In addition, we’re grateful that Cradles to Crayons has joined our monthly free food markets. Families are able to stock up on both pantry and clothing essentials at the same time, which is both convenient for families and allows us to reach more families in need. Cradles to Crayons is an essential part our work with families.

Tony Byers

Principal, Graham & Parks Alternative Elementary School

Our Volunteer Stories

My children are fortunate to be growing up in a family and in a community that has the means to provide for them. By engaging my friends and their families within my community, I hope to instill in all of our kids a desire to help others just because we can — and because it feels good to know that they’ve played a role in putting a smile on another child’s face.

Allison Kates

Wayland, MA

Cradles to Crayons was a perfect fit for us. It allows my team to give back to the community within a safe and structured environment and for a cause we all believe in. It always amazes us how well Cradles to Crayons is organized — the staff are so nice to us, they give us great instructions, and their enthusiasm is contagious!

I would recommend Cradles to Crayons to any team teader or organization looking to volunteer in the community. You get the amazing opportunity to help children in need. What greater calling is there?”
Dennis S. Urlaub

AWACS Charity Team (ACT)

Hanscom Air Force Base, MA

I was blown away with the efficiency and immediacy of the model, and with how much was actually being done to help kids right now.

Suzanne Nissen

Needham, MA

Triangle, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides the support, challenge and opportunity that people with disabilities need to live more independent lives. We are grateful for our ongoing relationship with Cradles to Crayons and its staff, who have established an engaging, mission focused environment that inspires growth and community engagement.

When we volunteer at Cradles to Crayons, not only do our individuals have the opportunity to strengthen skills that will help them reach their future employment goals, but they leave feeling proud of the contributions they make toward helping Boston youth be successful. We’re always looking forward to our next visit!

Dana Belanger

Malden, MA, Triangle, Inc.

Take Action

Volunteer

We currently work with nearly 75,000 families, individuals, community groups, and corporate volunteers in our Giving Factories and at community-based events to serve more than 245,000 children per year. Your time is a valuable asset that we invite you to invest in us.

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Fund the Cause

Financial support from individuals, families, and companies sustains our work year-round. A gift of $33 enables us to impact the life of one child.

Fund the Cause

Ways to Give

Donate Goods

Please look in closets and drawers at home for new and like-new clothing, shoes, books, and toys that have been outgrown or replaced. By donating them to us, you can be sure they’ll be given to local children in need who will be happy to receive them. We also invite you to organize a collection on our behalf.

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