Helping Philadelphia Area Children in Need With Shire's Big Give and Cradles to Crayons

Can you imagine your child missing school because they didn't have something they needed, like a calculator?  Or shoes that fit?  Or a warm coat?

No, as I sit here among our things feeling very blessed, I can't imagine it either.

But it's happening. It's happening all over our country, and it is happening right here in the Philadelphia-area. But we can help.

That's right you, me and all our neighbors and friends can help.

How?

By participating in Shire's Big Give (now in it's sixth year). What's Shire's Big Give you ask? It's a massive collection drive that benefits Cradles to Crayons, a local non-profit organization that connects communities that have with communities that need. Residents in the Philadelphia area can drop off new or gently-used clothing, toys, school supplies and other essentials at one of five regional Giving Stations on Saturday, October 5,  from 9a to 1p:

• Doylestown Bookstores, 16 South Main Street, Doylestown, PA
• Fort Washington Fire Company No 1 at 801 Loch Alsh Ave, Fort Washington, PA
• Government Services Center at 601 Westtown Rd., Westtown, PA
• Springfield Mall at 1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA
• Wilson Farm Park in the Chesterbrook Corporate Center, Wayne, PA

The needs in the suburbs is growing, and Michael Smith, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons says that "poverty among children is the highest it's been in 50 years."

Please take a minute to help. Help Shire's Big Give reach their goal to help 5,000 children in our very own neighborhoods, thrive in school, at home and with their friends.

Much needed items include new socks and underwear, gently-used pants for boys of all sizes, sneakers and baby items including strollers, diaper bags and car seats less than five years old. Winter boots, notebooks, backpacks and folders are also in high demand.
 
I'm off to clean up the boys' rooms, and gather some things together to donate. I hope you'll join me.

catch you soon -