Although students are in the midst of summer vacation, Cradles to Crayons (C2C®) is one step ahead and preparing children for the new school year. Since 2006, C2C's Ready for School program has worked to help level the playing field for all children by providing essential items needed to start school on the right foot. This year's program, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, The TJX Companies, Inc., and OMAM, runs through September 30th and aims to serve 70,000 children. The program will distribute backpacks filled with new, age-appropriate school supplies as well as customized KidPacks complete with clothing, shoes, and more.
There are currently more than 400,000 children in need in Massachusetts. Entering the school year without the supplies needed to succeed can be a significant developmental setback. Basic essentials like backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and clothing are critical tools that help developing children turn curiosity and creativity into knowledge and success. These resources also alleviate stress from struggling parents and allow them to direct money to food, rent, and other necessities.
"School supplies are a vital aspect when it comes to student success. However, providing students with school supplies can be a financial hardship for many families," said Joyce Asack, Ward 6 School Committee Member for the City of Brockton. "The Ready for School Backpack-A-Thon will ensure that many of our Brockton students have the opportunity to start the school year off successfully with the tools they need. It has been rewarding to see the happiness these backpacks have brought to many Brockton families and I am happy to continue letting this rewarding tradition live on!"
Lynn Margherio, Founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons adds, "School supplies and basic essentials are required for children to be mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared for school. We understand that school readiness goes beyond backpacks. When a child's clothing doesn't fit properly or is poor quality, they become focused on discomfort and embarrassment rather than applying themselves to learning. Our Ready for School goal is to boost confidence and set kids up for success. We greatly appreciate the generous support of our community for this initiative."
About Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons launched in 2002 and has operations in Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The nonprofit provides children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need. Cradles to Crayons mobilizes communities to collect and donate new and gently used high-quality children's items. The organization also engages thousands of youth and adults each year in tangible service activities that benefit local children in need. For more information, please visit www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston/.
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