By Zach Ciavolella

As families across Philadelphia struggle with rising costs for clothing, food, healthcare, and energy, Cradles to Crayons-Philadelphia (C2C) is stepping in to help children in need. The organization is kicking off its annual clothing collection and weekend of volunteer service this month in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

The drive will accept new and gently used clothing, shoes, and cold-weather items for children of all ages, with a special focus on winter coats for kids living in low-income or homeless situations.

Now through Jan. 19, donations can be made at the following locations: Ambler YMCA (1325 McKean Rd, Ambler, PA 19002); Evil Genius Beer Company (1727 N Front St.); Germantown Friends (31 W Coulter St.); Germantown Jewish Center (400 W Ellet St.); Hope Church (700 Cooper Rd, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043); Kiwanis Club of Jenkintown  (Short Stable 520 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046); Tildie’s Toy Box (1829 E Passyunk Ave.); Tildie’s Toy Box (8 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ 08033); Trident Land Transfer Company (721 Skippack Pike, Suite #100, Blue Bell, PA 19422); Tredyffrin Township Paoli Library (18 Darby Rd, Paoli, PA 19301); and Yards Brewing (500 Spring Garden St.)

From Jan. 12 to 19, donations can also be made at Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348) and on Jan. 19 at Main Line Reform Temple (410 Montgomery Ave, Wynnewood, PA 19096).

Those interested in organizing collections at their school, neighborhood, or place of work are encouraged to do so, and can drop off the collected items at C2C’s Giving Factory in East Falls or at one of C2C’s drop-off locations.

Individuals interested in volunteering at The Giving Factory Warehouse, which would involve hands-on processing of donated goods, must first sign up through C2C’s volunteer portal, as spaces are limited. During their MLK Weekend of Service, there are morning and afternoon shifts on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17 and 18.

“Philadelphians take pride in taking care of our own,” said Michal Smith, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons-Philadelphia. “As costs continue to rise and so many families face tough choices on basic essentials, we need to come together and support those in need.

“Each year, our MLK donation drive is vital to filling our shelves with clothing, coats and shoes for children throughout the Philadelphia area and every act of service, small or large, makes a true difference.” 

Keywords

Cradles to Crayons-Philadelphia,

Clothing Collection,

Philadelphia,

Volunteer Service,

MLK Weekend