Childhood poverty is a serious nationwide issue. The average U.S. family in poverty, with two adults and two children, lives on less than $26,500 a year. Consider these staggering statistics from the regions where Cradles to Crayons currently operates:

• • • More than 1 in 3 Massachusetts children, 12 years old and younger, live in low-income or homeless situations.
    • According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate among the nation’s ten largest cities. 3 in 5 Philadelphian children live in poverty.
    • 1 in 2 children in Chicago live in low income and homeless situations.

Without adequate and appropriate clothing, children face unfair barriers and participate in life on an unequal playing field. Across most of the United States, only three (food, housing, energy) of four basic needs are supported by government safety net programs. Cradles to Crayons uses the term “Clothing Insecurity” as part of our efforts to formally recognize the issue, and increase awareness on this hidden basic need.

Thanks for your interest in volunteering at The Giving Factory!

When you volunteer with Cradles to Crayons, you join a force for good—working to end Clothing Insecurity. Thank you for giving your time to provide the critically needed clothing and essentials kids deserve in every step of their childhood.

We are excited to share that we have launched a new Volunteer Management Portal where you’ll be able to log in and register and update your own volunteer visits!

What to Expect

A volunteer shift at Cradles to Crayons connects you to new and gently used donations that you will quality check, sort, package, and prepare to go to kids in our communities through our incredible network of Service Partners. The Giving Factory activities are broken up into specific stations, each one part of the larger “Quality = Dignity”. Throughout your shift you will be led by a Volunteer Leader who will provide instructions and be present with you during the entire shift to answer questions and provide any assistance you may need.

Scheduling and Preparing for your Visit

Once you have reviewed the information you need on this page, you can access the volunteer portal: 

• • Cradles to Crayons welcomes all volunteers ages 5 and older! Children between the ages of 5 and 15 require an adult present with them for the entire shift. 
  • Pre-register in advance: It is crucial that all volunteers pre-register before coming to The Giving Factory—this is how we communicate essential information and reminders prior to your visit. Only pre-registered volunteers will be allowed inside The Giving Factory. 
  • Arrive for check in 15 minutes prior to your shift time.  
  • If you are experiencing any COVID or flu-like symptoms, please follow the recommended CDC guidelines. If you are unwell or have tested positive for COVID, please stay home and we can work to reschedule your visit. 
  • We encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle to stay hydrated! We have water filling stations in our Giving Factory for volunteers.
  • Our address is 2500 W Bradley Place. We are located in the back of the business complex. Please go to the back parking lot and look for our purple and yellow Cradles to Crayons signs.

For more detailed information the volunteer experience and about Cradles to Crayons please see our Volunteer FAQs which are also found within the Volunteer Portal.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Cradles to Crayons is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and we welcome many diverse individuals as volunteers.   

• • Building Accessibility: The Giving Factory floor is a single story, with no steps.  There are accessible parking spots in our parking area, and either a wheelchair accessible ramp or accessibility leading up to our main entrance.  We have restroom availability that is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant.
  • Restrooms: We welcome volunteers of all genders, identities, and expressions. Men’s, women’s, and gender-neutral restrooms are available for volunteers.
  • Lactation Room: We can provide a private Lactation Room. If you need access to this room, please share that in the accommodations section of the form or tell us when you arrive for your shift.
  • Volunteer Activity: Some volunteer activities require standing. Other activities are performed sitting. Volunteers who require the seated option may share that requirement in the accommodations section of the form, and we will follow through with you via email.
  • Masks: Volunteers are not required to wear masks.

If you have any additional needs, please share that in the individual registration section of the Portal.

Bring clothing to donate!

We love when our volunteer groups bring donations to help support our mission! We ask each person to bring at least one children’s item—but there is no minimum requirement. Consider hosting a collection and get your family, friends, or company to help build a bigger pile of clothing and essentials to donate when you visit! View our current donation guidelines and most needed items and tips for hosting a successful drive!

Our volunteers—adults and children, corporate and community groups—are the engine that powers Cradles to Crayons’ mission. Thank you for choosing to volunteer with us. We cannot wait to host you at The Giving Factory!