Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.

Cradles works with social services organizations, school staff, and community organizations that know the children well so donations tailored specifically to the needs of each child can be provided. They serve children throughout Philadelphia, its surrounding counties, and Camden, NJ.

The Cradles to Crayons Donations Box has moved! It is now in the Parking Lot near Street Rd, in back of the BuxMont sign. It is next to the car in the picture, under the lamppost.

BuxMont is a community drop off point for new or nearly new clothing, books, school supplies and essentials for children in need in the Philadelphia area. See www.cradlestocrayons.org or contact Melissa Egbertson (see contact info below) for more information. Please make sure all the pieces are present and attached to one another, any directions or user manuals (if available) are attached, and place items in plastic bags as the box is not watertight.  

Please note due to pandemic-related staffing changes our ability to take items has been limited. Read carefully before you drop off items – thanks very much!

Needed items – remember, QUALITY = DIGNITY:

• New or gently used CLEAN clothing, coats, jackets, (sizes infant to youth 14/16 or adult smallmedium) (We accept all clothing, summer fall, winter, spring – all year), and 
• hats and  gloves, scarves for all ages. Please no scarves unless part of a set.
• Winter boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 0–13 and youth/adult sizes 1–10)
• New socks and underwear in their packaging
• Books, especially baby board books and chapter books for children ages 10-12
• New arts and crafts/school supplies
• Baby crib & bassinette bedding (no bumpers, please)
• Baby carriers (sling, Bjorn, Snuggli, etc.)
• Diapers, diaper bags, hygiene supplies
• Baby equipment, especially strollers, pack-n-plays and car seats (car seats must be less than 5 years old)
• High chairs, baby swings/rockers, baby bouncy seats, baby bath tubs
• Baby safety equipment (gates, bed rails, outlet covers, cabinet locks, etc.)
• Batteries, especially AA and C
• New toys (fits in a backpack) in their packaging

Items that are not  being accepted are:

• Adult clothing larger than adult smallmedium – please no large, X-large, or XXX-large
• Cribs, car seats, bassinets, bouncy seats, rockers
• Stuffed animals
• Car seats older than five years or that have been in an accident
• DVDs/CDs/VHS tapes/computer games
• Furniture, room décor
• Religious books/toys, including Christmas/Easter/Hannukah/Kwanzaa related items
• Books about families (“I Love Mommy,” “Daddy and I”)
• Underwear or socks out of its package or that are used
• Used bathing suits
• High-heeled shoes and shoes that are not in great condition
• Soccer cleats
• Clothing that is stained, torn, or has family writing (“mommy”, “daddy”, etc.)
• Military related or violent toys/games (no guns of any type)
• Oversized plastic play toys (please no toys larger than 24 inches, no play kitchens or tables, chairs)
• Large backyard toys, slides, swings, baby pools, and structures
• Used hygiene products
• Baby food
• Breast feeding supplies
• Used arts and crafts/school supplies

Some of these items Cradles to Crayons can’t take can be donated to CARE and SHARE in Souderton (215.723.0315), they are a terrific organization that helps keep useful items circulating in our local area.  Call ahead to check..

Questions?

Please contact eg text 215-350-5712 or contact egnick14@gmail.com with any questions, and to notify of a drop-off, so we can pick the items up before they suffer from the elements.

Thank you for your support!