This Giving Tuesday, for every bedding order we receive through December 3, we are donating a set of crib sheets to Cradles to Crayons, an organization that provides everyday necessities to children in need.
At Cradles to Crayons, their mission and model is “It’s More Than a Cause, It’s A Kid”. Approximately 200,000 children in Chicago live in poverty but the urgency to help these children is often overlooked. That’s where Cradles to Crayons comes in. Their efficient and effective approach provides kids with the essentials they need, free of charge. This enables them to engage communities that have, connecting them with communities that need.
Here at Unison, we wanted to partner with an organization that gives back to our community, and Cradles to Crayons does just that for the Chicagoland area. The relationship started when Unison co-founders Alicia and Robert Segal felt compelled by the work Cradles to Crayons (C2C) was addressing, donating kids’ items like clothes, shoes, books, and toys. Through further communication they realized C2C had a great need for crib and twin sheets, an area we could do a bit more.
This year we got the chance to see what C2C does firsthand by participating in one of their volunteer days at The Giving Factory. Here, volunteer groups helped separate out donated items, package them by age group and size, and then put kits together for children in need. This was the area where we had the opportunity to lend a hand and gather items specifically requested for each child. Each kit is completed with a special note of encouragement, written and decorated by the volunteers themselves.
We were also able to chat with Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Catherine McDonough, and see where they house their stock of crib and twin sheets. Robert later reflecting on the experience,
“As Catherine informed us during recent volunteer work, they receive lots of knit and fleece blankets, yet hardly any sheets. With this shortage of sheets and pillowcases, they are unable to finish the package and can only distribute once complete. It’s very unfortunate to hear and it inspires us at Unison to be able to provide our high-quality bedding for babies and children in need.”
Our Giving Tuesday partnership, however, is not the only way you can get involved with C2C. The Giving Factory at Cradles to Crayons can accommodate groups of 120 employees or more and is especially suited for corporate volunteering and team-building programs but of course C2C welcomes groups of families or friends as well. If you don’t have time to visit The Giving Factory, you can still lend a hand by donating in-need items at local drop-off locations or funding the cause with a financial donation.
Cradles to Crayons began with the vision of one individual who was determined to make a difference in the world. Today, the Cradles to Crayons community has grown to include thousands of young people and adults — working together to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children each year. Help make an impact by shopping our bedding this Giving Tuesday and we will give back to Cradles to Crayons. Interested in making a direct bedding donation to Cradles to Crayons? Contact Unison Customer Service to learn more.