For the entire month of November, we are hosting a supply drive for local non-profit Cradles to Crayons. Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities.
You can help by donating a wide range of new and gently-used goods that are appropriate for use by children ages newborn to 12.
Cradles to Crayons believe that QUALITY = DIGNITY. Before making a donation, please ensure that your gently-used items are high-quality: not ripped, stained, or quality compromised in any way. Review the standards below for more details on what we distribute to deserving children!
Currently, the most-needed items at Cradles to Crayons are:
Sweaters: Sizes 0-3 Months
Short & Long Sleeved T-Shirts: Sizes 2T-Adult Medium
Baby Pajamas: Sizes 0-24 Months
During this drive, we are able to accept the following items on behalf of Cradles and Crayons:
Clothing and coats (infant to youth sizes 18/20 and adult sizes small & medium)
New socks, underwear, and pajamas (we accept pajamas in new or gently-used condition)
Shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 0–13 and adult sizes 1–10)
Books (ages 0-12)
New arts, crafts, and school supplies
New hygiene items
Unopened diapers, pull-ups, and diaper wipes
In the interest of the health/safety of the families we serve and in consideration of the limited space they may have access to, we cannot accept the following:
We are not able to accept toys or baby gear of any kind
Furniture and household goods/items
Cribs of any kind (due to recalls)
Over-sized plastic play structures and backyard toys
Stuffed animals
Used rackets, mitts, hockey sticks, bats, helmets, skates, shin guards/pads
Bicycles or ride-on toys
DVDs/CDs/VHS tapes/computer games
Violent toys/games
Electronics
Religious or holiday related books or toys
Books and clothing with family related messaging (“I Love Mommy,” “Daddy and I”)
Bathing suits or costumes
Used underwear or socks
Used hygiene products, baby food, breast pumps, and supplies, or bottles
Used arts and crafts/school supplies
For more information on Cradles to Crayons, please visit https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/chicago/