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Cradles to Crayons announced today that it is accepting applications for its Teen Leadership Corps, now through Wednesday, May 1.

The program provides high school students throughout the Greater Philadelphia region a unique, hands-on opportunity to develop or improve their organizational and leadership skills, while gaining a firsthand understanding of the importance of volunteering in their communities.

Now in its sixth year, the Teen Leadership Corps program enables the students to gain or hone leadership skills, and then put into practice what they’ve learned by engaging their communities in product collections and by raising awareness about the need for and work of Cradles to Crayons. Last year, more than 40,000 children, 0-12, living in low-income and homeless situations throughout the region, were served by Cradles to Crayons.

“This could certainly be a life-altering experience for the selectedTeen Leadership Corps members,”said Michal Smith,Cradles to Crayons’ executive director, “as they come face-to-face with poverty, for many for the first time; learn about the acute need locally for our services; and confront the challenge of keeping pace with the growing number of children in ourcommunity who need the clothing, footwear, books, toys and school supplies – everyday essentials too easily taken for granted – that we provide.”

The 2013 Teen Leadership Corps program will begin June 24 and extend though the year. Each member of the Teen Leadership Corps will be required to –

  • Attend one training session at the Cradles to Crayons “Giving Factory” warehouse in late June.
  • Work 15 two-hour shifts (total of 30 hours) from July to the end of the year at the warehouse.
  • Complete one product drive in their neighborhood, community group, place of worship, etc.

As one of the Greater Philadelphia region’s leading volunteer organizations,” Smith explained, “it is central to our mission to provide a venue for people of all ages to give back to their communities. Teen Leadership Corps is how we fulfill that commitment to a group that will become tomorrow’s volunteer leaders.”

Members will be selected based on their application and phone interview. Spots for this program are limited. Deadline for applying forthe 2013 Cradles to Crayons’ Teen Leadership Corps is Wednesday, May 1; accepted applicants will be notified by Wednesday, May 15, 2013.