Young people are a very special part of our volunteer community.
Each year, thousands of kids give us their treasures, help hold product drives, have a birthday party to benefit Cradles to Crayons, or work a “shift” in one of our warehouses.
By so doing, they learn first-hand about the importance of generosity and helping others. And kids are crucial to our mission because of a simple fact: kids know what other kids like. They know what clothes are cool, what toys are fun, and what books are worth reading. The most motivated among them join our Teen Leadership Council, and devote considerable amounts of time and energy making the world better for young children less privileged than themselves.
We call it “tangible philanthropy,” which means that the young people who work with Cradles to Crayons can actually see the results of their efforts. For many, it is an unforgettable lesson in leadership, social justice, service, and the power of giving.