Cradles to Crayons Home About Us

Our Story

n 2002, business strategy consultant and former White House policy advisor, Lynn Margherio, noticed how many outgrown clothes and toys her nieces and nephews owned—in virtually new condition. She knew many less-fortunate kids could use the items, but she discovered that it was often difficult for the families who had the items to connect to the families who needed them. Lynn founded Cradles to Crayons to fill this need.

Five years later, more than 75,000 local children-in-need have received Cradles to Crayons packages. This has been made possible by a grassroots network of more than 20,000 youth and adults who have shared their time, treasures and talent with us so we have what we need to fill the hundreds of requests we receive every week, and a distribution network of over 300 social service agencies who deliver our packages to the clients they serve. In 2006 alone, 30,000 local children received high-quality children's goods to keep them warm, safe at home, and ready to learn at school.

Through community partnerships with neighbors, schools and companies, as well as civic and faith-based organizations, we generate the supply of products and labor needed to expand our services. Through distribution partnerships with shelters, health centers, schools, parenting programs and day cares, we directly reach the children who are most at-risk and in-need.