Service Partners
Serving Families Collaboratively
Our extensive network of Service Partners is the crucial link between Cradles to Crayons and the children we serve. Everything we distribute is in partnership with organizations that provide a variety of services and meet a range of needs. This partnership model allows us to all focus on what we uniquely do best.
Cradles to Crayons works with more than 160 Service Partners. Our Partners use our mobile Partner Portal to place orders for essentials; each order is based on the needs of a specific child in their care. These orders are processed and packaged in The Giving Factory and are then ready for pickup by our Service Partners, who deliver them directly to the families. Together, we distribute over 3 million items annually across Greater Philadelphia.
We are a Mission Critical Partner
Service Partners share that Cradles to Crayons is a reliable, key partner in their work—and we continue to fill gaps with high-quality items that no other community or governmental resource can provide.
- Cradles to Crayons’ partnership is world-class, with a net promoter score of 96.
- 99% of Service Partners agree that Cradles to Crayons helps them deliver on their mission.
- 87% of Service Partners could not find the items Cradles to Crayons provides free of charge elsewhere.
Cradles to Crayons and our Service Partners collectively serve racially and linguistically diverse, tight-knit, caring, and committed communities. 82% of the families C2C supports make under $30,000 a year—which is under the federal poverty line—and more than half earn less than $10,000 a year. Working with Cradles to Crayons ensures better success for Service Partners and the families they serve.
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Because of the incredible donation from Cradles to Crayons, we were able to host a Children’s Clothing Pop-Up Giveaway yesterday.
In less than an hour, we distributed all 460 bags of children’s clothing—from newborn through approximately ages 10–12—to families throughout our community.
The numbers are exciting, but what I’ll remember most is the feeling. Families were so patient, so kind, and so grateful. You could see the relief on parents’ faces as they walked away with bags of clothing for their children. It was a really special morning.
The families we serve go above and beyond for their children. They are enrolled in our programming because they want the best for their children’s future. It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of with families and an honor we strive to be better at.
How We Work with Our Partners
The role fulfilled by our diverse network of Service Partners is a crucial link between Cradles to Crayons and the children we serve, so our whole focus is to make our collaborative process as easy and streamlined as possible. This helps us to empower the children we serve collaboratively — at home, at school, and at play — by providing the everyday essentials that match their individual needs.
Diaper Program
Cradles to Crayons works with First Quality to provide our service partners with bi-monthly diaper distributions. These events distribute diapers (sizes newborn to 7), wipes, and training pants. This program fills a much-needed gap for the youngest members of our community. Every year, we distribute tens of thousands of packages of diaper wipes, and more than 2 million diapers into the community via our valuable service partner network.
Everyday Essentials
Through our partner portal, Service Partners request packages filled with Everyday Essentials, which are tailored to meet a child’s everyday needs. This includes clothing, coats, shoes, socks, underwear, diapers, wipes, and more. These items are packaged for an individual child.
Bulk Clothing Distribution
We are currently piloting a bulk clothing distribution model. We have a small number of partners who receive items in “bulk”. This means that rather than a mixture of items in a bag, partners receive 10 of one item. This allows for more choice for the communities that ultimately receive the items.
Ready for Learning Backpack Program
Once a year, Cradles to Crayons provides a high volume of backpacks to Service Partners and school districts. Service Partners, public school partners, and valuable school partners participate in our Backpack-a-thon program to help our communities prepare for the school year. Every year, we distribute tens of thousands of backpacks into the greater Philadelphia community.