Charles River Apparel Volunteers with Cradles to Crayons

Chicago-On Wednesday, Aug. 21, Cradles to Crayons hosted its fourth annual Backpack-A-Thon in Chicago where 800-plus volunteers filled more than 50,000 backpacks with school supplies for children in need.

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 play. All children’s items are collected through donations and are processed and packaged by volunteers in Cradles to Crayons warehouses or at hosted events.

The packages are distributed to disadvantaged children through their large network of local service partners. Cradles to Crayons was founded in Boston in 2002 and since then has expanded into Philadelphia and Chicago.

Charles River, a bronze sponsor of the Backpack-A-Thon event, recruited a team of employees and distributors around the Chicago area, including staff from Printable Promotions, Axis Promotions, and Club Colors, to participate as volunteers.

The Charles River Apparel team. (Image courtesy Charles River Apparel)

“The Backpack-A-Thon was a terrific way for our team to get out of the office and work together for a great cause,” says Mitch Silver, vice president of Printable Promotions, “Activities like this not only make a difference in the world but help build team camaraderie and strong workplace culture. We loved being part of the Charles River volunteer crew today!”

Johanna Gottlieb, VP of sales at Axis Promotions, says, “There was so much energy and positive vibes for an amazing cause. We truly were proud volunteers!”

For more information about Cradles to Crayons, go to www.cradlestocrayons.org.

For more information about Charles River Cares, visit www.charlesriverapparel.com/charles-river-cares.