ABOUT CRADLES TO CRAYONS:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate among the nation’s ten largest cities. Nearly one in four Philadelphians, including 130,000 children, live in poverty.
But statistics don’t get to the heart of what we do. We help kids in poverty: kids who don’t have shoes that fit, or a coat warm enough to fend off winter winds, or a backpack to take their books and supplies to and from school. When kids don’t have these basics, they suffer. They have a hard time learning in school. They don’t feel valued. Since 2007, Cradles to Crayons has stepped up to fill this need in Philadelphia.
New and nearly new children’s items are collected through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. Donations are then processed and packaged by volunteers in The Giving Factory. Packages from The Giving Factory are distributed to local disadvantaged children through Cradles to Crayons collaborative network of diverse service partners.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Volunteers will work at one of the Giving Factory stations sorting donations to go into kid packs. Stations include putting together outfits, sorting toys, and building kid packs.
Watch this video to learn more about how volunteering at Cradles to Crayons supports youth in our community.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:
The Giving Factory is a warehouse environment and it is not climate-controlled. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes and clothing they do not mind getting dirty. We recommend leaving your belongings behind for this shift, you will not be able to keep your belongings with you during your shift.
GETTING THERE / PARKING:
The Giving Factory is located at 4700 Wissahickon Ave. Suite 142, Philadelphia, PA 19144.
A parking lot for this location can be entered with from S. Abbotsford Ave. or from Roberts Ave. If you are exiting the Roosevelt Expressway, the first entrance to the lot is a right from S. Abbotsford Ave (before you pass the large warehouse complex). If you miss this entrance, simply make the first right on Wissahickon Ave then the next right onto Roberts Ave and a second entrance will be on your right.
Parking: The large parking lot directly in front of the entrance to Cradles to Crayons is available at no charge and you may park on either side of the fence in any spot not designated for another organization.
CHECKING IN:
Keep your eye out for our Pete Wolf, who will be joining you during your shift. After orientation, join the Life Science Cares group at their station.
OTHER:
Please consider bringing donations to your volunteer visit. For more information regarding items Cradles accepts, click here. If each group member picked up 1-2 of the items from this list, we can help C2C serve more children! Also, spread the word about your upcoming visit and encourage friends and family to donate their gently-used items to C2C!
For any additional visit information, please see their Frequently Asked Questions.
