OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The WellSky Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to removing socioeconomic barriers to health and improving quality of life for vulnerable populations, announced it has donated $75,000 to Cradles to Crayons, an organization committed to providing children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the resources they need to thrive.
Today, more than 20 million children in the U.S. lack the clothing and basic essentials they need during their early formative years. Since 2002, Cradles to Crayons has worked to address these critical gaps by providing children with the everyday necessities needed at home, at school, and at play. With this gift from the WellSky Foundation, Cradles to Crayons will provide seasonally appropriate and size-specific clothing, footwear, pajamas, socks, underwear, as well as diapers, baby wipes, hygiene items, school supplies, books, and other essentials at no charge to fulfill children's basic needs and promote school readiness.
“At Cradles to Crayons, we view basic necessities as a birthright for all, and we are passionate about ensuring children in our communities have access to these fundamental resources,” said Aubrey Henderson, executive director of Cradles to Crayons Massachusetts. “Each year, we provide more than 500,000 packages of essential items to children in our communities. With the WellSky Foundation’s generous assistance, we will be able to expand our support to more children as they prepare for the changing season and equip them with the necessary tools to do well in school.”
Since 2002, Cradles to Crayons has served nearly 3.5 million children in Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia. However, it’s through the organization’s innovative platform, Giving Factory Direct, that people across the United States have been able to contribute to Cradles to Crayons’ vital mission. Through Giving Factory Direct, people can pack and ship new or gently used clothing directly to a child in need and address the child’s specific gaps in resources.
“In the United States, 1 in 7 children live in poverty, making it clear just how crucial it is that children are provided with the resources needed to succeed,” shared Brett Fuller, executive director of the WellSky Foundation. “Cradles to Crayons is an incredible example of an organization working closely within their communities to empower the next generation with the tools they need to thrive. We are thrilled to be a part of their journey and look forward to seeing their continued impact.”
In just three years, the WellSky Foundation has donated $1 million to 25 organizations that are addressing socioeconomic barriers to long-term health and wellness to build healthy communities. To learn more about the WellSky Foundation, visit WellSkyFoundation.org.
About Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons launched in Boston in 2002 and has operations in Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, 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 clothing, shoes, diapers, school supplies, and more, free of charge. Cradles to Crayons collects new and high-quality used children’s goods and engages thousands of youth and adults in volunteer activities each year on behalf of local children in need. For more information, please visit cradlestocrayons.org.
About the WellSky® Foundation
The WellSky Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for vulnerable populations by removing social barriers to health, recovery, and lasting wellness. The WellSky Foundation is an engine for change, financially supporting organizations that enable care and healing for people, regardless of their socioeconomic status. With a deep understanding of the social determinants of health, the WellSky Foundation partners with community organizations that are boldly addressing the top four socioeconomic factors affecting long-term wellness — housing, food insecurity, transportation, and isolation. The WellSky Foundation is committed to funding and supporting organizations that protect the people and communities they serve and create better outcomes for people in need. Together with our community partners, the WellSky Foundation is breaking down social barriers to health and wellness to build thriving communities. To learn more about the WellSky Foundation, visit WellSkyFoundation.org.
