Charles River Apparel and Cradles to Crayons Team Up to Help Low-Income Students Across Massachusetts

On Aug. 5, Charles River Apparel partnered with Cradles to Crayons to make sure low-income students across the state start the school year prepared as part of Cradles to Crayons’ Ready for Learning initiative. Together, Charles River Apparel employees stuffed more than 1,000 backpacks with school supplies and essentials.

Ready for Learning distributes age-appropriate, crucial learning supplies and other essentials, such as clothing, shoes and hygiene items to students up to age 12 to ensure kids have everything they need to learn.

“We want to ensure kids are prepared and confident for the school year,” said Katie Amoro, senior director of development for Cradles to Crayons. “Our goal this year is to distribute 65,000 backpacks to homeless and low-income students across the state—our largest goal yet—and we are proud to be able to do this in such a challenging time.”

Charles River Apparel has partnered with Cradles to Crayons for more than 10 years on volunteer events in both the organization’s Chicago and Boston locations. For this event, in addition to assembling backpacks, Charles River Apparel employees also sorted more than 600 pieces of apparel to be prepared as a separate donation.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Charles River Apparel, who not only helped us stuff over 1,000 backpacks but also donated over 600 fleeces and jackets,” added Amoro.

“Cradles to Crayons is such a thoughtful, inspiring organization to work with,” said Deb Lipsett, co-owner of Charles River Apparel. “They really know how to motivate the community to get involved and empower volunteers to not only give back, but have fun doing so. We are proud to partner with such a great organization.”

For more information, visit www.charlesriverapparel.com.