I've volunteered with Cradles to Crayons several times already by myself and with my kids. Their mission and goals are clear and evident. They are extremely organized and can take large group of volunteers but also work with smaller ones. I highly recommend coming here as part of a group from work or even with your family especially if you have never volunteered before. read more

I've volunteered for countless field trips for my 3 kids over the years and Cradles to Crayons is my personal favorites. My son's class came here to help sort thru the many many bags of donations they receive. I thought the staff at Cradles to Crayons did an amazing job explaining to a group of 3rd graders how this was an opportunity to help those less fortunate and love that they also got to help with the process. We spent a few hours sorting thru piles of clothing and dividing them into different categories (winter coats, girls short sleeve shirts, skirts to name a few). The kids had a lot of fun and even got a few chuckles when they came across things like bras and thongs, which were thrown in the "recycle bin." After a few hours of work they took a tour of the amazing facility, ate lunch and the Cradles to Crayon staff wrapped it up by praising them on their hard work! My son mentioned it was a super fun day and I think he enjoyed it more than the other field trips we've taken this year (ex: Chicago History Museum). I've now been here 3 times for field trips with my kids and each time I make a note that I need to come separately of school. This time I'm determined to make the time to donate my time to this amazing organization and great excuse to clean out my closets ahead of time to make a donation! read more

What a fantastic volunteer experience! The facility is VERY well organized and the system for sorting and bagging clothes was seamless and well orchestrated! The GPS doesn't take you to the exact lot to park so make sure you follow the signs and go to the back and they'll be plenty of parking there. Our sorority did a 1.5hr shift but we are definitely going to do a double shift next time because the time went by sooo fast and we were having so much fun! read more

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Super Dope and Amazing Non-Profit Organization that is well organized. I came here on Saturday to volunteer and my experience was like no place I ever volunteer. The staff was well prepared and professional. Just an overall fantastic place to volunteer that help many children across the Chicago Land Area who is struggling in poverty. I love that C2C is a hard driven and a dedicated organization that strives to focus on making better lives for children in need. Great Leadership!!!! Professionalism & A nice Big clean warehouse. Thanks to our volunteer team leader Molly Dubow who was very professional and great to work while helping us sort out winter coats and books for the children. I look forward to coming back next month to help out. read more

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Set up a group volunteer event for my colleagues and I. The communication and flexibility with setting up the event was amazing. When we arrived, we were welcomed right away, given an overview of what Cradles does to help the youth in the community and given our task. We sorted through clothing donations, assuring they were good quality. They played some great 60's hits while we sorted and were readily available for questions. I think this is a wonderful organization, and they helped ensure our team event was a success read more

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Great charity with great values and mission. I came here to volunteer and Kayla, the head volunteer coordinator, and you can tell, enjoyed what she did. In fact, all the staff we encountered were nice and friendly -- Brenda and Janice were über cool. They were thorough with their mission statement, what Cradles to Crayons stood for, and what the goal of today's efforts were all about. As for the place, this place is relatively new; they opened this location just a year ago, moving from the Loop. The warehouse was well laid out and there was plenty of parking. The warehouse had designated areas for all the donations they receive. Overall, the layoff was well organized and the place wasn't overwhelming (think of a Marshall's clothing rack.... it's not). I came on a day where there was a large group of ~40 or so from a company. Must have been a corporate event. The atmosphere was energectic and fun. They have music on while we did all sorts of tasks, from sorting, cleaning shoes, or folding gently-used clothes. All the process was well streamlined and it felt good being able to make a potential difference for kids. In the end, our efforts helped 132 kids and the designated 2-hrs spent went by quick. BATHROOM REVIEW: Located near the back of the place, and clearly labeled, the bathrooms were super clean. There was one urinal and a couple of stalls. Two sinks await for your good hygiene habits, after you using the toilets. Sit or squat? Sit! read more

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I volunteered here a few weeks back through work. It's quite the operation- super organized and they take great pride in their work. I never realized what went in to sorting donations but they have the process down pat. I would definitely recommend school, work, religious groups look into volunteering here. read more

On Saturday 12 May 2018, members of the Chicago Lake Shore YSA Ward volunteered at Cradles to Crayons Chicago. Cradles to Crayons collects and delivers quality essentials to children living at or near the poverty line. We were honored to work alongside them. Service to others is a crucial part of what it means to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it was very fulfilling to play a small role in ensuring that more of Chicago's children have what every child deserves. read more