Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons is a nonprofit that provides children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essentials they need at home, at school, and at play. Items such as shoes that fit, warm winter coats, clothing, and backpacks for school supplies are given free of charge. The organization’s vision is that every child will one day have what they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued.

Its model has three steps. New and nearly new children’s items are gathered through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. Volunteers then sort, quality-check, and package the goods at the organization’s warehouse, called The Giving Factory. Finally, packages go to local children through a collaborative network of diverse service partners. The approach is meant to engage communities that have, connecting them with communities that need.

What to Know

• Volunteer shifts at The Giving Factory typically last two hours, with shorter shifts available on request.
• Groups and visitors can volunteer, and Meet Boston lists it as a voluntourism option.
• It is a member of the Charles River Regional Chamber.