15,000 Kids Need Warm Winter Essential Items.

I want to share a story of Michelle B., a West Ridge mom who was struggling to provide for her three children. With the cold weather already here, and the season’s first snow having fallen, she was worried how she would keep her kids warm and safe, especially on their walk to school.  Her social worker delivered to them Cradles to Crayons’ 

KidPacks and wrote us about the children’s reactions: 

“They were so happy because they got something new or something they never had. And it was theirs. Coats, shoes, a book bag they could actually use for school instead of a drawstring bag. And snow boots...something they never had before. The kids expressed gratitude for all the items, and the older brother who helps care for them was even happier. They all said thank you!”

In just two years since opening our Chicago doors, Cradles to Crayons has served more than 100,000 local children and families like Michelle’s who are facing the adverse effects of poverty. 

But with 1 out of every 3  Chicagoland children experiencing poverty and risking a winter without basic essentials, there is much more work for us to do.  

In fact, as the winter weather gets colder, our requests triple to 500 KidPacks per week.  In addition to the everyday essentials we provide year-round, like clothing, toys, and books, the winter requests include warm pajamas, blankets, coats, and snow boots. Shopping for a fast-growing school-kid every season can be expensive, and for many of the families we serve, these items are simply unaffordable.

Our hearts breaks every time we send a KidPack without a requested blanket or boots.  We can’t bear the disappointment that our kids’ parents and caregivers must feel.  

I know that together, we can do better. 

You – right now – can make a difference in our ability to buy more coats or hats, to serve each child more fully, and to reach more kids throughout Chicagoland.  Your gift of $33 will help us serve two children when matched for an entire season, thanks in part to a generous family founation.  Just imagine how many children you can impact this winter.

Wishing you a joyous and warm #GivingTuesday,

Bernard Cherkasov

National Chief Operating Officer