Volunteers sought for Cradles to Crayons drive

By Caitlin Castello, Town Correspondent

The Bernon Center for Public Service at Babson College and the Town of Wellesley are looking for volunteers to participate in the Cradles to Crayons drive this Saturday at the PepsiCo Pavilion at Babson College.

The event kicks off the Bernon Center’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, said director Lisa Thomas.

On Saturday, the items collected throughout the town from the last week will be sorted and then delivered to Cradles to Crayons in Quincy. Residents are asked to donate gently used clothes, toys, games and school supplies for children under the age of 12. Last year, donations totaled over 6,000 pounds, said Suzanne Picher, Wellesley resident and coordinator for the event.

“It’s a time where the town comes together to work side by side to for a cause other than themselves,” said Picher. “I think the Cradles to Crayons mission really resonates with children and adults.”

Cradles to Crayons is a nonprofit organization that supplies children in need with clothing, shoes, and other materials.

This is the third year of Cradles to Crayons in Wellesley, and the first year the drive is taking place at Babson College.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for Babson and Wellesley to collaborate to make such an impact in these kids,” said Thomas. “I think it’s very telling that awareness is so high, that there is such a need.”

The drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Wellesley. Newton is also holding a Cradles to Crayons drive at St. Mary's Church, from 9 a.m. to noon.