Organizers at the Cradles to Crayons warehouse in West Conshohocken are seeking the public’s help with keeping up the high demand for children’s clothing.
Founded in 2002, Cradles to Crayons provides clothing, school supplies, toys and other items for children in need free of charge.
Debra Roberts, one of the directors of the organization which helps 245 social service agencies, says they have a request for 20,000 pants this year. The problem, she says, is that they don’t have enough pants, socks, coats or underwear to provide.
“This is just not okay as we approach the colder months,” Roberts said. “It’s hard to see that the shelves are empty because we know there are some kids who won’t get the essentials that they need.”
In Philadelphia, 40% of children are living in poverty. The poverty rate is also increasing twice as fast in the suburbs than in the city.
“The misconception is that it’s just a North Philadelphia problem,” Roberts said. “It’s not. Neighbors right next to you could be struggling.”
That’s why Ann Hassis brought her two young daughters to the warehouse to volunteer.
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“It makes me feel bad and it makes me think what I can do to help other children,’ Hassis said.
With winter right around the corner, children are depending on Cradles to Crayons to give them the clothing they need to stay warm.
“I don’t think it’s fair that a child should go without,” Hassis said.
CLICK HERE to donate to Cradles to Crayons.
