(Above) Cradles to Crayons clients.

7-Feb-16 – Children’s clothing that has been outgrown can get a second chance to help low-income families in Chicago now that a non-profit group from Boston has expanded and set up a drop-off location in River North.

Cradles to Crayons collects items for children up to age 12. Clothes, shoes, coats, along with baby items and school supplies. Items, says the organization, that children need “to thrive at home, at school, and at play.”

Founded in Boston in 2002, Cradles to Crayons expanded to Philadelphia and in those two areas last year provided items free of charge to 87,000 children.

The group works with partner organizations such as school districts, community health centers, and homeless shelters, and not directly with families. The children are found through social workers, nurses, teachers, and therapists.

Cradles to Crayons has 12 drop-off locations in the Chicago area, including East Bank Storage at 429 West Ohio Street. To donate, go to the lobby and tell the person at the front desk you are there to drop off to Cradles to Crayons.