Service Partners
Serving Families Collaboratively
Our extensive network of Service Partners is the crucial link between Cradles to Crayons and the children we serve. We are committed to doing everything possible to facilitate our collaboration and to assure that our Partners receive the items they order on a timely basis.
Using our new, mobile Partner Portal, our Service Partners place orders online, each order is based on the needs of a specific child in their care. These orders are processed in The Giving Factory and are then ready for pickup by our Partners who then deliver them directly to the families.
Learn about how to become a Service Partner in one or more of our sites >
How We Serve our Partners
Specialty Items Program
Cradles to Crayons maintains a limited number of collaborative relationships to provide our “Specialty Items” throughout the year. Unlike individually tailored KidPacks that contain different types of items for one child, this program provides large quantities of items – such as a box of 20 copies of the same book or a 55-gallon bag of size 5/6 girls’ dresses – to assist a single partner.
KidPack Program
Through our partner portal, Service Partners request KidPacks filled with Everyday Essentials, which are individually tailored for a specific child. These agencies in the KidPack Program also have access to Specialty Items and Backpacks. Most of our partnerships fall under this category.
Backpack Program
Each August, Cradles to Crayons provides a high volume of backpacks to Service Partners and school districts. KidPack Program Service Partners are also eligible to request backpacks for the children and families they serve, but we do maintain once-a-year partnerships to help children get Ready for School on a much broader scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cradles to Crayons work?
Cradles to Crayons is a nonprofit that provides everyday essentials for children whose families are experiencing low-income and/or homelessness. Essential items, which we provide to them for free, include clothing, shoes, winter coats, books, backpacks, school supplies, and more.
As opposed to working directly with families, Cradles to Crayons has built a highly efficient network of approved Service Partners. The everyday essentials we collect are distributed by our Service Partners to children and families who meet our income eligibility requirements.
My child can benefit from receiving essential items from Cradles to Crayons. How can I connect with your services?
If you are not already connected to one of our Service Partners, please review the services in your area. If you feel your family would benefit from the services they provide, please reach out directly to the program or organization of your choice. Should you become enrolled in the program, you will then be eligible to receive essential items from Cradles to Crayons.
Are the items you provide new?
Who are some of your Service Partner agencies?
Who is eligible to receive services from Cradles to Crayons?
My program fits this description. How do I apply to become a partner?
What services does Cradles to Crayons provide?
KidPacks
Cradles to Crayons has an online ordering system through which our Service Partners place “KidPack orders” for the children they serve. Each KidPack is specifically tailored for an individual child and provides Everyday Essentials for that child to thrive at home, at school, and at play. KidPacks include any combination of the following items:
SEASONALLY APPROPRIATE
Outfit Packs including clothing, socks, underwear |
Seasonal Footwear winter boots, rain boots, or sandals |
Outerwear winter coats, spring/fall coats, hats, gloves |
Everyday Footwear sneakers, flats |
SCHOOL AND DEVELOPMENT
Books | School Supplies |
Art supplies | Toys* |
HOME, HEALTH, AND SAFETY
Hygiene kits content varies based on age of child |
Bedding packs including top sheet, fitted sheet |
Diapers and wipes | Safety kits (plug covers and more) |
Strollers | Car seats |
Pack N’ Plays | Safety gates |
*Cradles to Crayons does not provide holiday assistance. We encourage you to reach out to established holiday assistance programs in October — i.e. Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, etc. — well in advance of their deadlines.
Specialty Items
Specialty Items are another way that Cradles to Crayons serves children. Unlike KidPacks that are individually tailored and can contain a number of different types of items, these packages have large quantities of one particular type of item. For example, a box containing 20 copies of the same book, or a 55-gallon bag of size 5/6 girls’ dresses.
Backpacks
Cradles to Crayons provides school and art supplies year-round in KidPacks. In addition, we provide a high volume of backpacks once a year in August through our Service Partner agencies and school districts..