Select language:

I Need
Services Donate
Now

Volunteer In The Giving Factory®

Learn How Good it Feels to Lend Us a Helping Hand

When people inquire about volunteering at Cradles to Crayons®, they’re amazed at how widely our services are needed. When they come to the Giving Factory to help, they’re surprised that they are filling orders for specific children, and then to learn know exactly how many children and families they helped that day. At Cradles to Crayons, the feeling of fulfillment that comes from helping neighbors makes volunteering a personal experience.

A volunteer shift in The Giving Factory Warehouse involves hands-on processing of the children’s items that are donated to us on a regular basis. Each station in our warehouse includes inspecting, sorting, and packaging donations so that they are ready for distribution to the children we serve.

Visit The Giving Factory

Families

We allow children as young as age five to volunteer at The Giving Factory. Cradles to Crayons donation stations are kid-friendly, making it easy for the entire family to make an impact. Throughout the school year, we offer after-school and weekend shifts to make it easy for families to volunteer together.

Inquire about your next family visit >

Companies

Finding employees who are willing and able to volunteer is easy. Often, the difficult part is finding a charitable organization that aligns with your Corporate Social Responsibility goals and has the capacity and expertise to run your event.

Inquire about your next company visit >

The Giving Corps®

We have a variety of volunteer leadership opportunities for teens and adults, making it easy for you to play an important role in our Cradles to Crayons mission.

Learn more about the Giving Corps >

Community Groups

With our upbeat atmosphere and child-friendly stations, The Giving Factory is the perfect place to volunteer with your student or community group. It’s a shared experience with a perfect combination of volunteerism and team spirit.

Inquire today >

Stay In Touch

Every volunteer has a special set of talents and capabilities. At Cradles to Crayons, we empower you to help in ways that fit your skills, lifestyle and the amount of time you have to give. We do our best to take photos of all the families and groups that come through our Giving Factory. View photo galleries from The Giving Factory >
Cradles to Crayons events offer several ways to help further our mission including sponsorship funding, participation on a committee, or volunteering at the event. We’re always looking for volunteers to help with the multiple events we host throughout the year.  Learn more about upcoming events >

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly will I be doing when I volunteer in the Giving Factory?
You’ll be volunteering at one of the stations in our warehouse, helping to quality-check, sort, and package donations for distribution to the children we serve.
What should I wear?
You should wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting dirty and close-toed shoes. You will be working in a warehouse that is not climate controlled, so please keep the weather in mind and dress accordingly.
What type of donations do you accept?
Cradles to Crayons accepts all kinds of new and like-new children’s items. Follow this link to learn more about Items We Accept. We also maintain lists of most-needed items to help with immediate inventory shortfalls and items that frequently fall out-of-stock. Follow the links below to see the particular list for your region, which is updated weekly.  

Boston

Most Needed Items

Philadelphia

Most Needed Items

Chicago

Most Needed Items

Can I bring my donations with me when I volunteer?
Absolutely, we actually encourage you to do so.
Are there age restrictions for volunteering?
Yes, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To see the specific age requirement for the site you’re visiting, please click the appropriate link below.  

Boston

Volunteer Age Restrictions

Five Years and Older

Philadelphia

Volunteer Age Restrictions

Six Years and Older

Chicago

Volunteer Age Restrictions

Five Years and Older

How many people can volunteer at one time?
We allow a variety of different sized groups to volunteer with us. We welcome individuals, families, school and community groups, and corporations.
For site-specific volunteer questions (parking, hours, etc.):
Please visit the FAQ page linked below for the site in your area.  

Boston

Volunteer FAQs

Philadelphia

Volunteer FAQs

Chicago

Volunteer FAQs

  • Select Your City

  • Select Your City

  • Select Your City

  • Select Your City