On Saturday, February 15th, sixteen members of Harriton’s buildOn club volunteered at Cradles to Crayons, an organization in the Philadelphia area that strives to give every child the essentials they need to feel, “safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued.” The organization provides children ages twelve and under with clothing, shoes, books, and school supplies.

Harriton buildOn worked alongside a group of volunteers from Lehigh University, another from Temple, and various families, to improve the lives of children in the Philadelphia area. After a brief introduction, volunteers were assigned to one of three work stations. The first group’s task was to test toys – any 10 year old’s dream! Harriton’s group unloaded an enormous pile of bags filled with donations. Each piece of clothing was checked for stains, missing buttons, and anything else that wouldn’t satisfy Cradles to Crayon’s motto, “Quality Equals Dignity.”  The organization strives to give children stylish clothing that they can wear proudly. The third group’s job was to configure these outfits.

Although Cradles to Crayons caters to children ages twelve and younger, they receive a surprising amount of adult clothing donations. Along with any clothes that have not passed the quality check, the adult clothing is re-donated to other organizations.

Harriton’s trip to Cradles to Crayons was truly eye-opening. “Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to have closets full of clothes,” said Harriton freshman Julia Manning. buildOn’s trip reminded volunteers of the importance of helping the less fortunate in our community.

Volunteering at Cradles to Crayons is a refreshing experience. “You realize how great the need is in this area but you also see so many people committed to helping others by bringing them hope and dignity,” explained Mr. Curyto, the club advisor.

Cradles to Crayons’ organizational skill and dedication is illustrated by the vast number of neatly-packed boxes lining the walls of the warehouse. Each box is adorned with a typed label. The organized, brightly-colored facility promotes a positive atmosphere – Cradles to Crayons never fails to put smiles on the faces of both the children they provide for and their volunteers.

Feeling inspired to help out the children in our community? Cradles to crayons is always in need of donations of winter coats, pants, sneakers, new socks, and new underwear; as these items are in especially high demand. Their warehouse and drop-off location, as well as more information about how you can get involved and better our community, can be found at www.cradlestocrayons.org!