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Giving Never Goes Out of Style

On Wednesday, November 20, twenty-two Northwestern IT colleagues volunteered at the Cradles to Crayons Chicago warehouse for an afternoon shift sorting and packing clothing donations for local children. Working in small teams, volunteers helped prepare individualized packages containing a week’s worth of high-quality clothing for nearly 130 children. Cradles to Crayons distributes items to children via a network of partner organizations, including shelters, community, social service, and faith-based organizations.
 
In addition to volunteer hours, staff at all Northwestern IT locations made a combined contribution of 15 bags of clothing to support the urgent cause of clothing insecurity. Childhood poverty is a critical issue in the US. In Chicago, one in two children live in low-income and homeless situations. Many economically disadvantaged children lack adequate and appropriate clothing and, without it, face unfair barriers and operate on an unequal playing field. The Cradles to Crayons model focuses on supplying only new and gently used clothing in good repair so that children can feel confident and proud of the items they receive. They also source and provide diapers, baby wipes, backpacks, shoes, books, and toys.
 
In her opening remarks to set expectations for the group, Community Engagement Coordinator Emma Crumpton shared an anecdote about her daughter’s favorite childhood sweater and concluded the story, “Every child deserves to have something to wear they’re excited about, something they truly love that makes them feel special. We hope Cradles to Crayons gets kids items that mean that much to them.”
 
Northwestern IT’s efforts this winter helped deliver warm clothes and hopefully warm hearts to children across Chicagoland. In only four hours, our volunteers were able to complete work that will impact an estimated six classrooms worth of children. Anyone interested in further supporting Cradles to Crayons through donations and volunteering can learn more on their website.
 
The Cradles to Crayons event was the second effort in the Northwestern IT Gives Back series, the department initiative intended to bring staff together for opportunities to gather and engage with colleagues while working together to support our community. Contact Kate Leech, coordinator of special events, to suggest or participate in future Northwestern IT Gives Back events.