Charles River Apparel, Cradles to Crayons Team Up to Help Low-Income Students

On Aug. 5, 2021, Charles River Apparel partnered with Cradles to Crayons to ensure low-income students across Massachusetts start the school year prepared as part of Cradles to Crayons’ Ready for Learning initiative. Together, Charles River Apparel employees stuffed more than 1,000 backpacks with school supplies and essentials.  

Cradles to Crayons launched in Boston in 2002 and currently has operations in Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The nonprofit provides items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities.

Ready for Learning distributes age-appropriate learning supplies and other essentials like clothing, shoes, and hygiene items to students up to age 12 to ensure they have everything they need to learn.

“We want to ensure kids are prepared and confident for the school year,” says Katie Amoro, senior director of development for Cradles to Crayons. “Our goal this year is to distribute 65,000 backpacks to homeless and low-income students across the state – our largest goal yet – and we are proud to be able to do this in such a challenging time.”

Charles River Apparel has partnered with Cradles to Crayons for over 10 years on volunteer events in both the organization’s Chicago and Boston locations. In addition to assembling backpacks, Charles River Apparel employees also sorted over 600 pieces of apparel to be prepared as a separate donation.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Charles River Apparel, who not only helped us stuff over 1,000 backpacks but also donated over 600 fleeces and jackets,” Amoro adds.

“Cradles to Crayons is such a thoughtful, inspiring organization to work with,” says Deb Lipsett, co-owner of Charles River Apparel. “They really know how to motivate the community to get involved and empower volunteers to not only give back but have fun doing so. We are proud to partner with such a great organization.”