Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons is an American nonprofit organization focused on addressing child clothing insecurity in the United States. It was founded in 2002 by Lynn Margherio and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

History and Mission

Cradles to Crayons began with a simple yet impactful idea born from Margherio's realization of the rapid outgrowth of children's clothing and the potential to redistribute these unused resources. The organization officially opened its doors in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 2002, with the goal of providing essential items like clothing, shoes, diapers, and backpacks to children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations.

The mission of Cradles to Crayons is to supply these items free of charge, enhancing the lives of children at home, at school, and at play. By fostering a community-driven model, Cradles to Crayons connects those with resources to those in need, promoting a vision where every child has access to the essentials required to thrive.

Expansion and Programs

Since its inception, Cradles to Crayons has expanded its operations to major U.S. cities. It established its first Giving Factory warehouse in Massachusetts, followed by expansions to Philadelphia in 2006 and Chicago in 2016. In 2021, the organization launched Giving Factory Direct, a national online platform that allows individuals and corporations across the U.S. to donate directly to children in need, initially serving locations in New York City and San Francisco.

Model of Operation

The organization operates through a three-step model:

1. Collection: Cradles to Crayons collects new and nearly new children’s items through community drives and corporate donations.
2. Processing: Volunteers sort and package the donations in warehouses known as The Giving Factory, tailoring packages based on specific orders from service partners.
3. Distribution: These packages are then distributed to children across Chickagoland, Greater Philadelphia, Massachusetts, New York City, San Francisco, and other areas.

Impact and Engagement

Cradles to Crayons has had a significant impact on communities, distributing over six million packages of essentials since its founding. In Fiscal Year 2023 alone, it distributed over 800,000 packages, including clothing, diapers, winter coats, and backpacks. The organization engages a large and diverse group of volunteers, with over 112,000 involved in FY2023. Their efforts are recognized nationally, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator since 2009.

In February 2025, Christine Morin became the new CEO of Cradles to Crayons, bringing extensive experience in advocating for youth and under-resourced communities.

Culture and Partnerships

Cradles to Crayons fosters a culture that views basic necessities as a birthright for all. Its model emphasizes collective effort, fostering empathy and inclusivity across diverse communities. The organization partners with numerous social service providers and encourages corporate engagement to end children’s clothing insecurity.

Leadership and Values

Cradles to Crayons embodies a “kids come first” ethos, prioritizing decisions that best serve the children in need. The organization values collaboration, inclusivity, and transparency, fostering a strong community of volunteers and stakeholders dedicated to addressing childhood poverty.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradles_to_Crayons [2] https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/what-we-do/our-history/ [3] https://www.cradlestocrayons.org [4] https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/what-we-do/our-mission-and-model/ [5] https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/what-we-do/our-culture/