When I was pregnant with HJ, I remember the overwhelming sensation to have everything I “needed” for our little boy. Luckily, my generous family and friends rose to the occasion. Our baby shower was an outpouring of love and excitement, and anything and everything a new mother could have asked for.
After three hours of ooing and ahhing over the beautiful hand-knit sweaters, Aden+Anis receiving blankets, crib sets, and outfits, it took three cars loaded to the brim to bring everything home. When we moved into our new home, just shy of the official 8 month mark, I put everything in its place, and realized how blessed we were, but also how much extra stuff we had received from our family and friends. I remember thinking, “What if I didn’t have such an amazing family?”
Year after year, I continue to say this every Christmas and birthday. We rarely have to spend money on things like clothing or toys for HJ between gifts and hand-me-downs from older cousins. More and more I find myself saying, “He just doesn’t need anything.”
For some children, there will never be enough. Their parents will never utter the words, “I’m sorry, I can’t think of anything she would need.” Things like back to school and Christmas shopping are an overwhelming burden. One agency is helping families and children by filling the orders and the need for basic necessities.
Founded in 2002 in Boston, Massachusetts, Cradles to Crayons has been helping networks of social service agencies meet the needs of children in Massachusetts and since 2006, in Philadelphia. Cradles to Crayons has assisted over 290,00 children in Massachusetts for the past ten years. Cradles to Crayons accepts donations from generous people in the community, including things like boys and girls coats, gloves and hats, baby board books, clothing, shoes, books, brand new art and craft supplies, diapers, toys, hygiene supplies, and more.
I had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth Farley, Marketing and Communications Coordinator located in the Massachusetts branch of Cradles to Crayons.
Elizabeth, what would a $500 donation provide to children in need and how does Cradles to Crayons work?
A $500 donation would help to provide 20 low income or homeless children with the basic essentials they need to thrive. Cradles to Crayons operates on a recycling model. We depend on members of the community to clean out their closets and host collections so that we have enough new or like-new kids items to distribute to the local children who would otherwise go without.
So how can you help? You can donate here on the 13for13 Cradles to Crayons Crowdrise page. Think about that $5 toy that your child will forget about in a few weeks and instead donate $5 towards the $500 goal. You can volunteer if you’re in Massachusetts or Philadelphia. You can hold a coat drive or donate one of the many items in desperate need for children. And lastly, you can share this. Sharing is easy, via Twitter or Facebook.
