On Monday, Cradles to Crayons hosted its fourth annual Backpack-A-Thon in Chicago, where more than 800 volunteers filled more than 50,000 backpacks with school supplies for children in need.
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. All children’s items are collected through donations, and are processed and package by volunteers in their warehouses or at hosted events. The packages are distributed to disadvantaged children through their large network of local service partners. Cradles to Crayons was founded in Boston in 2002, and since then has expanded into Philadelphia in 2006 and Chicago in 2016.
Charles River, a bronze sponsor of the Backpack-A-Thon event, donated products to be included in the backpacks, and recruited a team of employees and distributors around the Chicago area, including staff from Printable Promotions, Axis Promotions and Club Colors, to participate as volunteers.
“The Backpack-A-Thon was a terrific way for our team to get out of the office and work together for a great cause,” said Mitch Silver, vice president of Printable Promotions. “Activities like this not only make a difference in the world, but help build team camaraderie and a strong workplace culture. We loved being part of the Charles River volunteer crew today!”
“What an amazing event!” said Johanna Gottlieb, vice president of sales at Axis Promotions. “There was so much energy and positive vibes for an amazing cause. We truly were proud volunteers!”
For more information about Charles River Cares, visit www.charlesriverapparel.com/charles-river-cares.
